Concordia: how to apply for seasonal work
First, find your country in the Concordia list, then contact the recruiter listed for it. Having a recruiter does not mean that recruitment is currently open or that there are available positions.
Find a recruiter for your country
Application route checked: 30 September 2026
Kazakhstan
Agropraktika · C.S.P.A · International Information Centre · Student Exchange Center
Recruiters and contacts on the Concordia website →Tajikistan
C.S.P.A · International Information Centre · Student Exchange Center
Recruiters and contacts on the Concordia website →On the How to apply page, a pathway through approved recruiters is published. There is no general intake schedule for all countries there. Check with the recruiter for dates, requirements, and whether they are considering new candidates; confirmation of your application does not guarantee employment.
Who is this route suitable for?
Concordia lists Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Moldova, South Africa, Romania, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. The page refers to people over 18 years old living in the listed countries. If your citizenship and country of residence are different, confirm eligibility with Concordia before making any payments.
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are not on this list. A translation into your language does not mean applications are accepted from your country.
Check the name, website, phone number, and email against the operator’s current list. The recruiter for your country may not be located there. If you cannot verify the office or contact details, check with Concordia before sending any documents or money.
Trip budget: what to check before paying
Other information and previous checks
The check date above applies to the application guidance and recruiter list. Other information about the organisation, pay and reviews has its own dates and sources.
Updated: 3 August 2026
About the operatorHistory, charity status, registrationCharity since 1943
Concordia (UK) is a registered charity (charity number 305991), founded in 1943. The legal entity at Companies House: 00381668, incorporated on 10 July 1943. It was originally created to help with agricultural labour during World War II — volunteers helped farmers harvest crops while men were at the front. This makes Concordia the oldest participant in the seasonal labour market in the UK.
Registered office: 19 North Street, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 1DH. The company has the status of a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital (a charitable company without share capital). This means that profit is directed to its charitable objectives and not distributed to shareholders.
Concordia holds an active GLAA licence with number CONC0002. This is confirmed through the public register of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The licence allows it to operate as a Seasonal Worker scheme operator.
Charity status means that the company's profit is directed to its charitable objectives and not distributed among shareholders. This does not guarantee better conditions for workers, but it implies a different motivation compared to commercial operators.
From volunteering to seasonal work
Concordia was originally a volunteer organisation — hence the word "Volunteers" in its name. Before the Seasonal Worker scheme, the organisation coordinated international volunteer projects on farms and in community organisations. This experience gave the organisation unique expertise in the logistics of placing foreigners on farms. On Trustpilot, some reviews refer to volunteer programmes, not to the Seasonal Worker scheme — do not confuse them.
Welfare support
Concordia declares welfare support for workers on farms. This includes coordinators who visit farms and whom workers can contact with problems. How effectively this works in practice depends on the specific farm and coordinator. Some workers report good support, others say coordinators rarely appear. If the coordinator does not help — call GLAA directly: 0800 432 0804.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal name | Concordia (UK) |
| Companies House | 00381668 |
| Incorporation date | 10 July 1943 |
| Charity Number | 305991 |
| GLAA licence | CONC0002 (active) |
| Company type | PRI/LBG/NSC (charity) |
| Registered office | 19 North Street, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 1DH |
| GLAA licence | Active |
| Company status | Active |
Who is this route suitable for?Country of residence and eligibility criteria
Concordia lists Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Moldova, South Africa, Romania, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. The page refers to people over 18 years old living in the listed countries. If your citizenship and country of residence are different, confirm eligibility with Concordia before making any payments.
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are not on this list. A translation into your language does not mean applications are accepted from your country.
The country on the list is just the first step. Discuss the requirements, documents, job availability, and conditions of a specific farm with the recruiter. According to Concordia’s instructions, there are more applicants than available positions; submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Farms and cropsWhat they harvest, where they work
Concordia places workers on farms across the UK. The main sector is horticulture: Soft Fruit, vegetables, ornamental plants. Concordia does not work in the poultry sector.
| Crop | Season | What they do | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) | May — September | Picking, sorting, packing | Kent, Herefordshire, Scotland |
| Vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, asparagus) | April — October | Planting, weeding, harvesting | Lincolnshire, East Anglia |
| Ornamental plants | Year-round | Care, repotting, packing | Various regions |
You will be told the specific farm and crop after the interview. Moving to another farm is only possible through the operator. Farms are located in rural areas — public transport is limited.
Concordia works with large farming businesses across the UK. Concordia has access to a wide range of farms and crops. This increases your chances of getting a place, but also means that the quality of conditions varies greatly from farm to farm. Before signing a contract, check: farm name, region, crop, type of accommodation, accommodation cost, and guaranteed hours.
How to apply through a recruiterStep-by-step processFree
The steps below follow Concordia’s official instructions. Start by contacting a recruiter for your country.
The application and CoS are free for the employee. The visa fee is £340. Calculate separately for travel, accommodation, food, and a financial buffer until your first paycheck. Check with the visa center in your country for any additional fees and costs for required documents. Ask for a written list of expenses and deductions: who pays, how much, and for what.
- Find the country and recruiter — Open How to apply and choose a recruiter from your country’s section. Check the contact details before getting in touch.
- Check recruitment dates and submit your documents — Ask the recruiter whether they are currently reviewing applications, what documents are required, and how the selection process works. Do not assume that submitting an application guarantees you a place.
- Wait for the decision and a job offer. — If you are accepted, the recruiter will arrange your job placement and pass the information to Concordia. Read the contract, payment terms, accommodation details, and deductions.
- Get a CoS and check visa requirements. — After confirming your placement, Concordia issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a sponsorship reference number for your visa application. The recruiter assists with the next steps; the CoS is not a visa.
- Prepare for your trip — Check with the recruiter about the visa application process, required documents, costs, and travel to the farm. Compare the requirements with those on gov.uk and the terms of your offer; do not pay for a promise of guaranteed employment.
Official Concordia Guide · GOV.UK — Seasonal Worker visa
While you’re clarifying the timeline, check your passport and create a budget by expense category. Concordia warns that they shouldn’t charge you for job search services. Don’t pay for a promise of a job or a CoS; break down other expenses by purpose and written terms.
What workers sayReviews, Trustpilot, common themes
The themes below are based on aggregation of public posts on Reddit, Trustpilot and Telegram for 2023–2026. These are representative sentiments, not individual quotes with attribution.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, Concordia has a rating of 3.0 out of 5 (checked April 2026). The number of reviews is limited. Reviews describe both positive experiences (good organisation, clear process) and problems (delays with CoS, insufficient communication when problems arise on the farm).
Positive themes
Concordia's charity status is seen by workers as a plus — the organisation is associated with a more ethical approach. Its long history (since 1943) inspires trust. The application process is described as organised and transparent. Some workers note good support from coordinators on farms.
Negative themes
Main complaints: insufficient working hours at the beginning and end of the season, delays in issuing CoS (which pushes back visa application deadlines), quality of accommodation on some farms. Some workers report that charity status does not mean better conditions on the farm — conditions are determined by the farm, not the operator.
Concordia was also mentioned in openDemocracy investigations (August 2025) about systemic problems with the Seasonal Worker scheme, although without specific accusations against the operator.
Overall picture
Concordia is one of the largest and oldest operators with charity status. As with any large intermediary, the experience depends on the specific farm. If there are problems — the Concordia coordinator on the farm, then GLAA: 0800 432 0804.
How much they pay
Trip budget: what to check before paying
The application and CoS are free for the employee. The visa fee is £340. Calculate separately for travel, accommodation, food, and a financial buffer until your first paycheck. Check with the visa center in your country for any additional fees and costs for required documents. Ask for a written list of expenses and deductions: who pays, how much, and for what.
Concordia accepts applications through approved agents. Check the agent against Concordia’s official list. A fee for job placement is not allowed; having an agent does not, in itself, mean it is a scam.
Usually, you need to show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before your visa application. You do not need this evidence if your sponsor certifies maintenance in your CoS. This is money to support yourself, not an additional visa fee.
Budget reviewed on 29 September 2026 · Primary sources: Concordia — Seasonal Work, Concordia — Central, GOV.UK — Seasonal Worker visa, GOV.UK — £1,270
Salary, expenses, net earnings
There is no single net earnings figure for 6 months. Use your contract: hourly rate × paid hours, then subtract tax, accommodation deductions, food, travel and other personal expenses. Do not assume a guaranteed duration of employment or overtime beyond the terms of your contract.
Example calculation before taxes and expenses: £12.71 × 32 hours = £406.72 per week. This is not your take-home pay, nor a guarantee of earnings for the entire season.
The scheme rate in 2026 is the same for every age — £12.71/hour (a sponsor guidance requirement, higher than the ordinary NMW for 18–20 year olds). Some farms pay more for piecework. The guaranteed minimum is always £12.71.
| Parameter | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme rate (all ages) | £12.71/hour | NMW 2026 |
| Working hours | Your contract and actual work schedule | Depends on season |
| Example for 26 weeks | £10,574.72 | £12.71 × 32 × 26, before taxes and expenses; no guarantee of season length |
| Tax + NI | According to your tax calculation | Check your payslip; a tax refund is possible only if you have overpaid tax. |
| Accommodation | Based on your contract and expenses | Check the accommodation offset deductions and rules. |
| Visa | £340 | One-time payment |
| Flight | For your route | Check the price and payment terms with the operator before purchasing. |
| Net earnings (6 months) | Based on your contract and expenses | Use the calculation below; there is no fixed take-home total. |
Salary is paid weekly or bi-weekly. Open a UK bank account before arrival (Revolut or Wise). A tax refund is only possible if you’ve overpaid; the amount is calculated by HMRC. Do not include the expected refund in your guaranteed budget. You can file on your own for free; if you choose to use a professional, agree on the cost in advance. reclaim overpaid tax via gov.uk
Accommodation and living conditionsCaravans, cost, what is included
Accommodation is arranged by the operator or farm. Usually caravans or dormitories on the farm site.
Check the cost of accommodation and deductions in your contract. The accommodation offset is £77.70 per week from April 2026 – this is used to calculate the minimum wage, not a universal rent limit. If your employer charges more, the difference reduces the salary counted when checking the minimum rate. GOV.UK — accommodation offset
Standard conditions: bed, shared kitchen, shared showers. Rooms for 2–6 people.
Quality of accommodation varies. If conditions do not meet standards — inform the Concordia coordinator. If that does not help — GLAA: 0800 432 0804.
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 or police 999.
Worker rightsMinimum wage, passport, complaintsKnow your rights
Seasonal workers have the same employment rights as British citizens:
- Minimum wage: £12.71/hour for all ages (scheme rate). Piecework pay cannot be lower when converted.
- Working hours: maximum 48 h/week. Opt-out is voluntary.
- Holiday: 5.6 weeks paid holiday (pro rata).
- Payslip: right to a payslip.
- Passport: no one has the right to take it.
- Transfer: you can ask the operator to transfer you to another farm.
Where to turn
| Problem | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Underpayment, operator violations | GLAA: 0800 432 0804 |
| Passport taken | Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700 or 999 |
| Unsafe conditions | HSE: hse.gov.uk |
| Discrimination | ACAS: 0300 123 1100 |
The right to work is confirmed via an eVisa share code on gov.uk. BRP were abolished at the end of 2024.
Operator contactsWebsite, office
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Website | concordia.org.uk |
| Agents for Kazakhstan | Agropraktika (agropraktika.lt), C.S.P.A (cspa.com.ua), Int. Information Centre (infoworld.com.ua) and others — full list: concordia.org.uk → How to apply |
| Agents for Tajikistan/Ukraine | C.S.P.A (cspa.com.ua), Int. Information Centre (infoworld.com.ua) — same page |
| Registered office | 19 North Street, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 1DH |
| Companies House | 00381668 |
| Site languages | The Concordia website is available in 17 languages, including Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek and Ukrainian (concordia.org.uk/seasonal-work/ru/) |
The agents get more applications than there are places, and they do not reply to everyone — Concordia does not comment on individual applications. That is how the process normally works, not a sign of a scam.
Concordia vs other operatorsBrief comparison
Choose an operator using the guidance for your country. The language of a website or account does not confirm that recruitment is available. If your country is absent from Concordia’s list, compare other routes; if it is listed, ask its approved recruiter about current requirements.
Season 2027: what to check now
Recruitment and application channels checked on 30 September 2026
Concordia lists approved recruiters by country, including Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Being on the recruiter list does not confirm a separate open intake for 2027.
Select your country on How to apply and ask the listed recruiter about the season, dates and whether they accept new or returning workers. The checked page has no general calendar for 2027. Last year’s dates are not a current invitation.
Prepare your passport, an email account you can access and a travel budget. Ask the operator whether it currently accepts new or returning applicants with your citizenship for the 2027 season, and where to apply. Save the reply and its date.
Do not pay for a job, a CoS or guaranteed selection. Visa fees, travel and living costs are separate budget items. Check your operator’s rules on help with applications.
NFU reported on 28 August 2026 that the 2027 allocation is 41,000 horticulture visas and 1,900 poultry visas. A national quota does not mean applications are open with a particular operator. NFU · 28.08.2026 ↗
GOV.UK reports that the scheme has been extended to 2030. Application dates, countries and applicant categories need separate confirmation. GOV.UK · 24.06.2026 ↗
Frequently asked questions
Does the recruiter list mean recruitment is open?
No. As of the review on September 30, 2026, Concordia is publishing a recruitment channel rather than a general, continuously open pool. Please check with the recruiter for your country regarding the dates, candidate categories, and available positions. There are more applicants than places, so neither submitting an application nor having your country listed guarantees selection. Official Concordia Guide
Is Concordia a charity?
Yes. Concordia (UK) is a registered charity, founded in 1943. Profit is directed to its charitable objectives, not to shareholders.
Does Concordia recruit from Uzbekistan?
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are not on this list. A translation into your language does not mean applications are accepted from your country. Concordia lists Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Moldova, South Africa, Romania, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. The page refers to people over 18 years old living in the listed countries. If your citizenship and country of residence are different, confirm eligibility with Concordia before making any payments.
How much does the application cost?
The application and CoS are free for the employee. The visa fee is £340. Calculate separately for travel, accommodation, food, and a financial buffer until your first paycheck. Check with the visa center in your country for any additional fees and costs for required documents. Ask for a written list of expenses and deductions: who pays, how much, and for what. Usually, you need to show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before your visa application. You do not need this evidence if your sponsor certifies maintenance in your CoS. This is money to support yourself, not an additional visa fee.
What is the minimum salary in 2026?
There is one single rate — £12.71/hour.
Is the site in Russian?
Yes. The Concordia website is available in 17 languages, including Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek and Ukrainian (concordia.org.uk/seasonal-work/ru/).
How much can you actually earn in 6 months?
There is no single net earnings figure for 6 months. Use your contract: hourly rate × paid hours, then subtract tax, accommodation deductions, food, travel and other personal expenses. Do not assume a guaranteed duration of employment or overtime beyond the terms of your contract. Example calculation before taxes and expenses: £12.71 × 32 hours = £406.72 per week. This is not your take-home pay, nor a guarantee of earnings for the entire season.
Do I need a BRP?
No. BRP were abolished at the end of 2024. The right to work is confirmed via an eVisa share code on gov.uk.
Where to complain?
GLAA: 0800 432 0804 (free). Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700. ACAS: 0300 123 1100.
Does charity status mean better conditions?
Not necessarily. Conditions on the farm are determined by the farm, not the operator. Charity status implies a different motivation, but does not guarantee better accommodation or more hours.
Can I stay in the UK after the season?
No. The Seasonal Worker visa does not give the right to permanent residence. Overstay = ban on future visas.
When can I apply for the 2027 season?
Concordia lists approved recruiters by country, including Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Being on the recruiter list does not confirm a separate open intake for 2027. Select your country on How to apply and ask the listed recruiter about the season, dates and whether they accept new or returning workers. The checked page has no general calendar for 2027. Last year’s dates are not a current invitation.