Bernard Matthews Foods Limited — what kind of farm, conditions, how to get in (2026)

Verified: 2026-06-11

In short

Main employer for poultry SWS seasonal workers in the UK (quota ~1,900 visas for 2026, only Pro-Force and RE Recruitment). Important: Great Witchingham factory closed in March 2024 — current address only Holton/Halesworth, Suffolk.

In numbers

~900 (2022)

seasonal workers

per year

Suffolk

region

United Kingdom

turkey

crops

harvest season

October–December (Christmas poultry season)

season

working months

How to get onto the farm Bernard Matthews Foods Limited

Confirmed operators

Pro-Force confirmed — Pro-Force — one of two licensed poultry SWS operators. Link to Bernard Matthews confirmed by industry sources (according to research).
RE Recruitment confirmed — RE Recruitment — the second licensed poultry SWS operator. Link to Bernard Matthews confirmed by industry sources (according to research).

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The operator chooses the farm, not you — but it helps to know where you can end up. Apply through one of the operators — they will allocate you to farms depending on demand.

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Housing and livingLiving conditions, amenities

not published (factory production, not field work)

Your passport must stay with you. If anyone takes your passport, that is a criminal offence (Modern Slavery Act 2015). Call: Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 (free, 24/7).

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Pay and piece rateHourly rate, piece rate, net earnings

not published

More about pay on the farm: first steps and your rights on the farm.

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Scale and cropsFarm size, what they grow, production volume

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Seasonal workers~900 (2022)

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RegionSuffolk

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What to pickturkey

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SeasonOctober–December (Christmas poultry season)

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SitesHolton/Halesworth (Suffolk) — operating factory. Great Witchingham (Norfolk) — CLOSED March 2024 (ITV News); Seasonal workers: ~900 via SWS in 2022 (data from owner Ranjit Singh Boparan, The Grocer)

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Outputlargest turkey producer in the UK

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Documented issuesInvestigations, violations, sources

1 incident

Below are documented cases from public sources. This does not mean the situation has not changed — but it is useful to know.

2022 — According to a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation (2022), food safety standard violations were recorded at Bernard Matthews factories. The company disputed the report's findings (The Grocer). No labour violations under the SWS scheme were identified in that investigation. ( Channel 4 Dispatches / The Grocer )

If you face violations: your rights on the farm · Fair Work Agency (formerly GLAA) 0800 432 0804

Positive signals

Largest and most well-known turkey producer in the UK

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the farm Bernard Matthews Foods Limited?

No — the specific farm is assigned by the Seasonal Worker Scheme operator. You apply through an operator, and they place you on farms based on available spots and your profile. Knowing which operators work with Bernard Matthews Foods Limited is useful: apply through them.

How much do they pay on the farm Bernard Matthews Foods Limited?

not published

When is the season on Bernard Matthews Foods Limited?

Season: October–December (Christmas poultry season). Crops: turkey. Check exact dates and availability with the operator when you apply.

Which operators work with Bernard Matthews Foods Limited?

Confirmed operators: Pro-Force, RE Recruitment. Apply through the operator's official website — it is free.