is the first virtual platform, which connects farmers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with seasonal workers across the globe
The UK Seasonal Workers Programme is a government initiative designed to address labour shortages in the agricultural sector by facilitating the recruitment of temporary workers from outside the UK.
The program enables farmers and agricultural businesses to hire workers from specific countries for a limited period to assist with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and other seasonal agricultural work.
The UK Seasonal Workers Programme is subject to periodic review and adjustment to address changing labour market dynamics, immigration policies, and other relevant factors. It plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural industry’s need for seasonal labour while balancing concerns related to immigration, labour rights, and economic impact.
Hand Hunter ensures that with its support and assistance both workers and farmers are up to date and in line with current regulations.
Why Hand Hunter?
Hand Hunter streamlines the application process for candidates and provides an extensive database for farmers seeking help. Hand Hunter is the first virtual platform that directly connects employers with seasonal workers, ensuring data protection and implementing confidentiality measures for both parties.
The Hand Hunter platform addresses the challenges of the complex and time-consuming employee selection process by optimizing the application process for both candidates and employers.
Our goal is to connect farmers to workers in one click.
GLAA licensed
Hand Hunter is a trading name of labour provider registered under West Bridge Company s.r.o. West Bridge Company s.r.o. has obtained GLAA license, what allows our platform to operate on the UK market of labour supply in compliance with current legislation and to establish long-term business relationships with farmers.
ALP member
Being a member of Association of Labour Providers enables us to set the frameworks of good practice for our services, procedures and standards in responsible recruitment. For us recruitment is not just about finding ‘someone’ it is about finding the right person, for the right position in the right company.
Trusted recruiter
Hand Hunter is a trusted recruiter for seasonal labour in the UK agriculture sector. Recruiting directly from overseas we are following the guidance of RRT and Stronger Together and taking control of our supply chain, ensuring it is free from the risk of modern slavery and exploitation, whilst finding the best staff to meet sector needs.
Whom is Hand Hunter platform for?
Both for workers and farmers
Shortage of seasonal workers
There are currently not enough seasonal workers to satisfy the growing demand of the horticultural industry in the UK. Farmers don’t have an opportunity to choose which workers they want to hire.
Complicated employee selection process
We grasp your requirements
Hand Hunter is tailored to streamline the job application process for seekers while offering farmers the opportunity to select workers based on their specific farming requirements.
Every facet of our recruitment process has been meticulously crafted and rigorously tested to guarantee a positive outcome for both farmers and workers.
How to apply for seasonal work?
- look through the eligibility criteria
- familiarize yourself with the process
- check where we recruit
- and contact us
Eligibility
- aged 18 or over (at the time of application);
- availability of a foreign passport, which must be valid for another 1 year after the estimated final date of the visa to UK;
- good physical shape, ability to withstand manual physical work in the field under different weather conditions;
- be motivated and positive about long physical, and have realistic expectations of earnings and understand that working hours depend on the season, weather, harvest;
- absence of problems with the immigration legislation of UK and other countries (absence of deportations, arrests, problems with the law, illegal stay in countries without a visa);
- absence of criminal records and any problems with the law in home country
- absence of health problems and alcohol and/or drug addiction etc
Process step by step
- filling out the application form
- uploading documents
- online interview
- approval of the application
- isuance of temporary work permit
- visa applcation
- travel to the UK for work
- back to home country
How much it costs
- application fee £298
- respective visa centre fee
- ticket to the UK
How long it takes
- it is advised to start the application process at last 3 months prior to desired start of work
How and where we recruit
Hand Hunter provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including assistance with application procedures, conducting interviews, job offers, assisting in visa applications and in travel logistics. We conduct thorough screening of applicants and while interviews prepare them for their seasonal agricultural positions. We ensure that individuals’ expectations are realistic by offering a clear portrayal of what it entails to work abroad as a seasonal worker. This includes outlining employers’ expectations and showcasing actual photos of the work environment and accommodation. We recognize the challenges workers encounter while hard seasonal work, and we are dedicated to offering outstanding service and responsible guidance.
Features
Hand Hunter is not just a web portal; it is a comprehensive service that provides a range of opportunities for its clients.
Ensuring Security
Provide secure virtual platform for both applicants and farmers.
Employee Compliance and Data Security
Secure background check of all applicants and data storage.
Free Registration
Free registration on Hand Hunter platform and administrative support for job seekers.
24/7 Support
Round the clock support for both parties.
Product Roadmap
As a starter, Hand Hunter is currently focusing on developing a wellfunctioning platform. In the future, we look forward to expanding our services and perfecting our product.
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Usefull information
Key features of the UK Seasonal Workers Programme
- Temporary Work Visas: Workers are granted temporary visas that allow them to work in the UK for a defined period, typically for the duration of the agricultural season.
- Quota System: The program often operates with a quota system, limiting the number of seasonal workers that can be recruited each year. Quotas may be adjusted based on labor demand and other factors.
- Participating Countries: The program usually establishes agreements with specific countries from which seasonal workers can be recruited. These countries are often chosen based on historical patterns of agricultural labor migration and diplomatic agreements.
- Worker Protections: The program includes provisions to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and adherence to labor standards, such as minimum wage requirements, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare.
- Employer Requirements: Employers participating in the program are often required to meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating that they have a genuine need for seasonal labor and providing suitable accommodation for workers.
- Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies are involved in the process of matching workers with employers and facilitating the visa application process.
Main stages of the UK Seasonal Workers Programme
- Application: Farmers or agricultural businesses submit applications to participate in the programme, outlining their labor needs and requirements.
- Approval: The government reviews and approves applications from eligible farmers or agricultural businesses to participate in the programme.
- Recruitment: Once approved, farmers or agricultural businesses recruit temporary workers from designated countries through approved recruitment agencies or channels.
- Visa issuance: Temporary workers selected by farmers receive the necessary visas or permits to work in the UK for the specified period.
- Deployment: Workers travel to the UK and are deployed to farms or agricultural sites where they assist with seasonal tasks such as planting, harvesting, and other agricultural work.
- Employment period: Temporary workers remain employed for the agreed-upon duration, typically for the duration of the seasonal agricultural activities.
- Conclusion: Once the seasonal work is completed, temporary workers return to their home countries, and the programme cycle concludes until the next season.