GLAA reminds SWS workers to understand their rights

Around 45,000 seasonal workers will be entering the UK to work in agricultural or poultry production in the upcoming months, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority is reminding workers to check they are not having their rights exploited.

The seasonal worker scheme (SWS) was introduced in 2019 by the government as a way to support employers in the agricultural and poultry sectors during peak season.

In October, the Government announced that 43,000 seasonal worker visas would be available within the agricultural industry and 2,000 for poultry and in the upcoming weeks, workers will begin entering the UK to begin their jobs.

Taking the time to understand your rights as a worker is important, to ensure that you are not exploited or accidently exposed to serious and organised crime.

Over the last two weeks, the GLAA have shared a series of short videos explaining the process of applying for the seasonal worker scheme, what to expect when you arrive in the UK and meet your sponsor, the working conditions and the expectation whilst working. 

GLAA Senior Enforcement Investigator Corinne Charlwood said: “The agricultural sector in the UK relies a lot on the seasonal workers scheme as it provides much needed extra labour during the busy production periods.

“While the process for applying for a visa should be straightforward, there are individuals that try to take advantage for their own financial gain.

All individuals or businesses that supply workers into the agricultural sector must hold a GLAA licence. Through this scheme we ensure that your rights are protected, such as being paid correctly, receiving adequate breaks, you’re provided with suitable accommodation and the area where you’re working abides by the health and safety regulations.”

As a worker, when you start your new position, please be aware of the following:

Contract of employment: By law, within 2 months of starting work you must be provided with a written statement from your employer which details your terms and conditions. This has important information about your job including who is employing you, your rate of pay, your working hours and holiday days, the location of your work and how to get help in cases of labour abuse or exploitation.

Pay: You should be paid as a minimum, the national minimum wage. You can check the rates on the government website.

Deductions: Any deductions such as tax, accommodation or transport charges should be listed clearly on your wage slip. You should always receive the ‘net amount’ shown after deductions. Always check the deductions being made are legal, you can contact us if you’re not sure.

Pay slip: You should receive a pay slip on the day you are paid or a few days before. This will show you your gross pay and take-home pay (net), and any deductions.

Hours of work: You should not work more than 48 hours a week unless you have chosen to do so. You are entitled to one day off per week, or two days every two weeks. You are entitled to a 20-minute rest break for every six hours you work.

Corinne added: “The GLAA’s mission is to stop worker exploitation, and we are on hand to help if you feel something isn’t quite right. We have a wide variety of resources available on our website outlining your rights, including our workers' rights leaflets which are available in several different languages, so please take a read.

“If you begin working and find that things are not as advertised or see that your rights are being exploited, please contact us.

You can call us on 0800 432 0804. You can also call the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If it’s an emergency, please dial 999.