Well-known UK berry grower talks about importance of reliable seasonal workers
29th March 2024
A UK berry grower, Hall Hunter, has recently launched an extensive recruitment programme for workers before the season kicks off for good.
Hall Hunter supplies major UK supermarkets with British strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Last year, the farm produced over 8,000 tonnes of British soft fruits.
The company heavily relies on fruit pickers with valuable industry experience. Hall Hunter enjoys a 70% employee return rate and is proud of its above-average pay, full training, and high-standard on-site accommodation.
Rewarding but physically demanding job
While speaking with the media, Harry Hall, managing partner of the Hall Hunter group, said that fruit picking and harvest work are rewarding but also quite physically demanding.
He added: “This is why we strive to make sure our teams have time to relax and have fun during downtime.”
Hall Hunter farms – Sheeplands Farm and Heathlands Farm in Berkshire, and Tuesley Farm in Surrey – are well-connected with London and other iconic UK landmarks.
The company provides free transport to local towns and supermarkets for its seasonal workers, allowing them to enjoy shopping and sightseeing on days off.
Recreational activities
Mr Hall added: “We work to develop a family atmosphere within all our farms to encourage new friendships to form.
“Within our on-site accommodation, we have a variety of recreational activities for everyone to enjoy, and frequently arrange trips and events.
“In addition, we regularly organise day trips to car boot sales, sporting tournaments, parties, and BBQs within each picker village. This is a fantastic way to make friends, and by getting involved, our pickers can really make the most out of their experience.”
Each of Hall Hunter farms has on-site accommodations that pickers can use for a small weekly rental fee.
The farm group has also introduced ‘picker villages’ that are made up of fully-furnished mobile homes which are well-maintained, including Wi-Fi, recreational activities, a canteen serving low-cost meals and a shop with Eastern European products.
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