Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a transfer?

When you have finished your assigned placement or if the work on your farm has finished early you are able to apply for a transfer through Concordia. If this is the case, you should speak to your employer at the farm and complete a transfer request form that they have been given by the Concordia office. This form should then be sent via email or fax to Concordia and we will put you on the transfer waiting list. If and when we find a suitable placement for you, we will contact your employer and inform them of the details. If it is then agreed with you, the employer and Concordia, documents will be sent to you and you can make your travel arrangements to the new farm. There is further information about in the transfers section of the website.
Please note: due to the nature of the work we are dealing with transfers cannot be guaranteed.

Will I get any Holiday Pay?

Yes. You are entitled to receive holiday pay in accordance with the Agricultural Wages Order. This can be paid in a number of ways depending on the farm you are working at. Where you are working for less than a complete holiday year holiday pay is calculated according to the rules set out by the Agricultural Wages Board.

Holiday Pay is either paid in one amount at the end of your work period with your final pay or it is included in the piecework rate. If it is included in the piecework rate, this should be shown on your payslip.

You will find more information on holiday pay on our website by going to 'useful links', then scrolling down to Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). On their website you will find a copy of the Agricultural Wages Order which should answer any question that you may have.

How long can I stay for?

All participants applying with Concordia should receive written permission from their university confirming how long they can take out of their studies.

If you are from within the European Union there are no restrictions as to the length of time you can stay in the UK. You can work with Concordia for any length of time providing you have written permission from your university and we are able to find the work for you to do.

Participants who are participating on the SAWS scheme can stay for a maximum of six months. You will also need to have permission from your university that you can be away from your studies for the full length of time. If you wish to return to the UK after you have been home you must leave a gap of three months before doing so.

What is National Insurance?

National Insurance is another type of tax. You are required to pay it unless you fit into the exemption rules. You will have to pay 11% on all earnings over £97 per week. Please see the relevant tax and salary information in the 'after you arrive' section of the website.

What happens if the work is cancelled?

If the work is on your farm is cancelled before you arrive Concordia should already have been informed so we will be working on finding you to a different farm. If the work comes to an end while you are on the farm you should speak to the farm and they must contact our office for us to arrange for you to move to another farm. Concordia may already be aware of the situation and if there are a lot of participants involved it may take a while to transfer everyone. You will have to be patient if this happens but we will always do our best to help you as quickly as we can.

What happens if there is no work?

If there is no work when you arrive at the farm you will have to speak to the employer to find out if this is because the work is late or if it has been cancelled. If the work is late, which sometimes happens due to bad weather conditions, it may be that you will have to wait for a few days until the work becomes available. This may also happen halfway through your work placement and there may be a dip in the work you have to do. If this is the case you will have to wait patiently for more work to be ready. Your accommodation rates will be dropped accordingly.

What services does Concordia provide when I am in the UK?

• Concordia has field officers whose job is to visit each farm at least once a year and again if there are any problems.
• We have a participant support team based in the office who work primarily to solve any problems or questions you may have. If you need to speak to

Concordia then these are people you should contact (choose the student option when you telephone).

What should I do if I have a complaint or problem with my farm?

You should first of all speak to your employer at the farm about your complaint and try to solve the problem directly with them. If you are still not happy then you should contact the student support team at the Concordia office. If you are unable to do this then you can put your complaints in writing to Concordia for us to help you. Alternatively, you can contact your agent in your home country who will contact Concordia and we will do our very best to resolve your problem. It is important that someone is aware of your situation or complaint so that support can be given and so that we can help you and other participants at the farm. This will also help us to prevent any problems in the future.