Fruit is usually picked on piece-work, generally speaking the more you pick - the more you earn, for which payment is made weekly in arrears. The rates offered are governed by the amount of ripe fruit available and are exactly the same as those paid to local pickers who also work on the farm. Earnings depend on the effort and ability of the individual, many participants who are prepared to work hard and acquire the necessary skill earn well in excess of the national minimum wage. Where harvest work is hourly paid it is at a rate which is specified by the U.K. Government, currently £8.72/hr and an overtime rate of £10.90/hr after 48hrs work. Please note that there will only be limited opportunities to work overtime.
Owing to new regulations covering rates of pay, it is essential that you achieve a set standard of productivity (which will be advised daily); otherwise we will not be able to employ you. Work is usually available between 08.30 and 16.30 Mondays to Fridays. Typically your working day will be 8 hours (7 hours on a Friday) although at certain stages during the season you will be required to work overtime on Saturdays and Sundays and on other occasions your hours may be less than 39. There may be the opportunity to work some early mornings and weekends. It is important to remember that crop yields and ripening dates are largely determined by the weather, which is unpredictable and can on occasions make work loads unpredictable.
