Transfers and getting help
If you are having problems related to your working conditions, treatment or pay at the farm you are working, you should first raise the issue with your manager, then with your operator. If the problem is not resolved, you have the right to transfer to a different workplace.
How do I transfer to another farm?
To request a transfer to a different workplace, you should follow the process outlined by your operator. If you don’t know what this process is, contact your operator in writing to find out.
Your operator should not normally refuse a transfer. They may refuse a transfer in certain circumstances, such as if there is no other work available, your visa expires soon, or you have a poor disciplinary record.
What should I do if I am a victim of discrimination?
It is unlawful for the employer to discriminate on the basis of age, disability, marriage/civil partnership, maternity and pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. If you believe this has happened, you should raise a grievance with your employer and report the incidents to your operator. If this does not lead to a resolution, you should seek employment advice.
Where can I get help if my rights are being breached?
If your rights are being breached, first attempt to resolve this issue internally with your employer and any on-site operator representatives. If this does not resolve the problem, contact your operator in writing.
If you are working on a farm in England or Wales can get free and confidential advice from us at the Work Rights Centre in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
If you are in Scotland, contact the Worker Support Centre for free support available in English, Russian, Lithuanian or Ukrainian.
If you believe that you are being exploited, contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). They are a government body responsible for protecting vulnerable and exploited workers. Their contact details are:
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Helpline: 0800 432 0804, Monday-Friday (9:00 - 17:00)
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Email: contact@gla.gov.uk
If you believe that you are being paid below the minimum wage and are unable to resolve the issue with your employer or operator, you can submit a complaint to the HMRC (tax service).
Healthcare
As a Seasonal Worker, you have limited rights to access free public healthcare provided by the NHS because do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee.
Instead, your operator provides you with private health insurance that covers, at the very least, emergency and primary healthcare. If you have to access healthcare while in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need to make a claim to the insurance company to ensure that they pay for your treatment. Migrant workers in Scotland can get free public healthcare from the NHS.