As well as a small permanent workforce, J W Allen & Sons employs casual seasonal workers for the asparagus season. They are all accommodated on our farm in ranges of high quality converted traditional farm buildings. All staff are introduced by Concordia (UK) Ltd, with whom J W Allen & Sons have worked since 2005, and are then employed directly by us.
Work Periods
Mid-January to end March: putting polythene on the asparagus beds March: Planting asparagus crowns and general farm duties Early April – 21 June: Cutting and packing asparagus
The Work
Staff work in supervised groups of 9 people and work in fields and in the packhouse in a rotation to give them a variation of duties and a good understanding of the detail and standards required throughout the whole process. No previous experience is necessary, as full training and a detailed induction relating to all aspects of the job is given prior to commencement of employment.
Accommodation
Our onsite accommodation is mostly in converted timber framed buildings and small Porta-kabin style blocks.
Our couple’s rooms are issued on a ‘first come, first served’ basis when you confirm your course (and inform us that you are part of a couple). The majority of rooms are dormitory style rooms for 3,4,5,6 and 7 people. If you are coming in a friendship or family group and would like to share a room please let Emma know.
Our rooms all include beds (including all bedding – 2 pillows, duvet, under sheet, pillowcases and duvet cover), wardrobes and cupboards. Our kitchens feature gas cookers, sinks, kettles and microwaves. There are full laundry facilities with washing machine use included within your rent (you must supply your own detergent). A drying room and washing lines are available or you can use tumble driers at £1 for 30 minutes. There are multiple shower and toilet facilities with toilet paper included.
More pictures of our accommodation will be added shortly.
