Pre-employment Information
- Fruit harvesting
The job you are applying for is raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and cherry picking (this is physical work and requires a reasonable level of fitness – you will be lifting 1-3 trays of fruit which can weigh up to 3kg each). The majority of picking work is in poly tunnels (like a green-house) and in the middle of the season they can be quite hot. Please consider these factors when applying for work.
When we pick berries – approximate cropping times:
First picking starts near the end of May but main crops start around the 1st – 5th of July. More accurate dates will be given on the website NEWS in March. Due to weather conditions, we are not able to give more exact dates before this (the weather we experience can alter the estimated start of the harvesting).
1. Early picking work: May/June - you must be able to arrive in Scotland before the end of May
2. Main crop picking: July/August - you must be able to arrive in Scotland at the beginning of July
The work depends on the weather conditions, customer demand and external factors, so work cannot be guaranteed. All seasonal work is on a daily basis and workers are employed on a strictly casual basis. The working hours are variable and dependent on the crop. Most work will be done on a piece work basis, which means earnings depend upon your own production levels. Pay entitlement is in accordance with the Agricultural Wages Order and will be taken daily.
You must be 18 years or older to stay in the accommodation on the farm. This is the legal age of responsibility. This work is not suitable for someone who is colour blind as you have to be able to differentiate between green and different shades of red berries. Anyone with an allergy to plants/flowers needs to be aware that this work means they will be working closely with plants, so a reaction could be triggered.
Accommodation
You do not have to stay in the accommodation at the site. However, if
you do decide to stay on the site, accommodation is available fOR A
MODEST FEE IN MOBILE HOMES AND CARAVANS. THE FEE COVERS GAS,
ELECTRICITY..ETC. IN THE COMMON KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, RECREATION ROOMS
AND WASHING FACILITIES. There are separate shower and toilet facilities
for males and females. Kitchen facilities are in other blocks and
include a cooker, fridge, and kettle, cooking pots, cutlery, crockery
and tables with chairs. There are washing machines in the camp too.
Recreation rooms are provided in the camp (with pool tables, TVs, DVD's,
etc.). WE HAVE WIFI ACCESS AVAILABLE IN DESIGNATED AREAS IN THE BOTH
CAMPS.
If you are interested in working at the farm, you can apply using the application form. You should nominate a group leader (if you are part of a group), and the correspondence will be carried out with them.
Agencies must not provide workers to the farm or apply on behalf of any worker. People can only apply as individuals or as a group of friends. Under no circumstances should any individual give money to another individual or a business to secure a work position. There is no charge for obtaining a position at our farm.