NMWM06220 | Specific occupations and special groups: seasonal workers the Seasonal Workers VISA Scheme and the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS)

Seasonal workers are entitled to the National Minimum Wage in the same way as any other worker (NMWM05020).

Many seasonal workers are engaged in the agricultural sector (NMWM06020) and some workers from abroad (NMWM06320) participate in the Seasonal Workers VISA scheme.

The Seasonal Workers VISA scheme exists to provide short term work in agriculture and horticulture, the scheme is operated under the terms and conditions of the UK’s immigration system.

All workers participating in the Seasonal Workers VISA scheme are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Previously some workers from abroad participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS).

The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme existed between 1945 and 2013. It provided short term work in agriculture and horticulture. The scheme was administered by operators who had contracts with the Home Office and was aimed at students, principally from agricultural colleges. The contracts ensured that the students were bona fide, that they had employment in the United Kingdom and that they were provided with accommodation of an adequate standard.

All workers that participated in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme were entitled to be paid at least National Minimum Wage rates and may have been entitled to more under the appropriate Agricultural Wages arrangements (NMWM03100).