How Concordia Works

What makes us different from an employment agency is that we operate on a not-for-profit basis. This culture engenders concern for the welfare of the participants, particularly for the quality of the work and cultural experience during their stay. It also provides an excellent service to employers without profit being the defining factor.

We have been established for over 50 years, providing rural businesses with seasonal workers. We have developed close relationships with a number of universities and colleges in the new EU countries and further a field. We are able to recruit motivated and hard working participants from these institutions, who benefit by coming to the UK to work in the field that they are studying. They are also able to earn money to support their studies.

Employers registered with us are able to recruit participants for seasonal work in the UK, but are required to provide them with suitable accommodation during their stay (for which a fee can be charged). We always ensure that the participants are legally allowed to work here, and provide comprehensive advice on the employment of seasonal labour. 

We are able to recruit experienced workers with specialist skills from a pool of students and recent graduates who have been studying a variety of subjects. For example we can recruit tractor drivers, dairy herdsmen, cheese makers, agricultural engineers, managers and supervisors. If you need a specialist member of staff, give us a call to discuss your requirements.

We can also recruit permanent staff from our pool of experienced workers. For more information on recruitment of permanent workers please contact the office.

EU Workers

(Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithunia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia.)

We have forged strong links with universities and colleges in the new European countries. These links enable us to offer motivated participants who wish to gain work experience in their chosen subject. This is not restricted to just full time students; graduates or those studying non-degree subjects are also eligible.

Most of the specialist and permanent workers come from EU countries, because there are no work permit issues for them.

Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS)

From January 2008 participants on the SAWS scheme can only be drawn from Bulgaria and Romania.

Work Permits (UK), a department of the Home Office manages SAWS. The scheme provides farmers and growers in the UK with a source of overseas labour to meet part of their demand for seasonal workers.

It covers participants who are drawn from students, recently graduated young people, and other workers from Bulgaria and Romania. The scheme allows the worker to finance a visit to the UK; to learn a little of our culture; to experience a work practice linked to study where applicable; and to improve their language skills during their stay.

The Home Office may visit farms that are participating in the scheme. 

Student Worker Education Programme (SWEP)

This is open to undergraduate level students from EU and Non EU countries. The programme combines education and training with work practice on UK farms and horticultural holdings and is a unique opportunity for students to gain United Kingdom educational qualifications while working in agriculture or horticulture. Students will gain credits while working which will be recorded on their record of achievement and, when combined with an examination, lead to the UK Certificate in Agriculture and Horticulture.

The Pastoral Fund

As a registered charity we are able to use part of our funds to provide support for the pastoral needs of the participants. We also employ Field officers who visit all employers at least once a year and are able to assist with any employment and accommodation issues that arise.

Employers are encouraged to offer educational facilities, such as internet access and English language tuition, that will enhance the experience for their workers. Part of the Fund also provides financial assistance in the event of an emergency. For more details please see the Pastoral Services Policy PDF (70.9k approx).

We are also developing a range of vocational courses, which can count towards a student's degree. This will mean that the student will benefit further from their stay with a UK employer.