Accommodation

The Soft and Top Fruit Farms that you will be employed at generally have on-site housing available (you have the choice as to seek alternative accommodation) and the facilities that are on offer differ from farm to farm. Generally the accommodation consists of either mobile homes or caravans with separate showers, toilets and shared kitchen facilities. It is important that you understand that you will be sharing the lodgings with other workers so it is essential that collectively you each take responsibility in ensuring that at all times it is kept clean and tidy.

You may be also be charged a deposit on the accommodation, this will be refunded back to you once you leave the farm, this is to cover for any breakages that may occur during your stay and for any excess cleaning cost should there be a need to bring in a cleaning contractor.

Recreational activities including football, table tennis, internet access and day trips to places of interest are also available although they may vary from farm to farm and most farms have barbeque areas to use for socialising during the warm summer nights.

The cost of accommodation is set under the Agricultural Wages Order (AWO) and is reviewed on an annual basis. Until October 1st 2009 the daily charge rate for accommodation is £4.46 per day (£31.22 per week), with the amount being deducted from your itemised payslip.

There may also be an optional additional charge for laundry services, utilities and bus service to the local supermarkets.

Welfare

Pro-Force values its workers and is therefore committed to ensuring that the welfare and safety of all its employees is paramount.

For those workers who are coming to work in the United Kingdom either for the first time or those returning for the season we welcome you and trust that your time spent with us will be memorable.

Please remember that at all times we are here to help you, if there is a problem talk to us, if we can help in any way we will!

General behaviour

All farms have a Code of Practice to which general guidelines are set out in reference to what is classed as unacceptable behaviour. Listed below are the main offences that constitute instant dismissal;

• Illegal Drug Abuse – anyone found taking or providing drugs for other workers face the possibility of instant dismissal and being reported to the British Police.
  (Workers who have prescribed drugs must document the name of the drug and for its use on their Medical Questionnaire.)
• Fighting – anyone caught in the act of fighting face the possibility of instant dismissal for gross misconduct.
• Stealing – anyone caught stealing another person’s property or caught shoplifting will be subject to instant dismissal for gross misconduct.
• Drunkenness – Whilst drinking is not an offence it is accepted that where intolerant behaviour is or has been caused through excessive drinking this will constitute the breaking of Farm Rules and may result in the termination of the contract. We ask that drinking be carried out in moderation and not to the detriment of co-workers.
  
  

Transport

For those workers travelling to the United Kingdom from Eastern Europe we can offer a much reduced fare through our designated Coach Company through which we have negotiated competitive rates. All fares must be paid directly to the Coach Company before departure and we shall give you the full details of your travel itinerary once you have accepted the employment offered to you. Please be aware that there will be luggage restrictions.

Checklist

Before you leave your home to come over to the UK and live/work with us, please read-through our check list and put yourself at ease.