Farms bring in 75,000 foreign workers a year

THERE are up to 7 ,000 seasonal foreign workers employed every year in the horticultural industry.

Farms, such as the one raided by police in Cornwall, rely almost entirely on men and women from eastern Europe to put in the huge amount of effort that’s required.

The work picking fruit, vegetables or flowers is usually highly physically intensive.

However the workers – whether British or born abroad – do have the right to the National Minimum Wage, which currently ranges from £7. 0 an hour to £ .60, depending on the age of the employee.

From April, this will rise to £7.83 per hour for staff aged over 2 , while those aged 18 or 19 will get £ .90.

Employers who use seasonal agricultural workers must also abide by strict licensing standards set out by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

They must pass a ‘fit and proper’ licence holder test relating to standards covering areas including accommodation, health and safety, working conditions and mistreatment – as well as pay and tax.