Frequently Asked Questions

Questions index:
First week Campsite & Facilites Travel Working in England Application Process
Free time and leisure

First Week

What happens the first week at Edward Vinson Limited?

Each staff member will attend an induction and be equipped with an induction pack. We will explain what type of work you will be doing and all relevant information about living and working in England will be covered. All health and safety issues will also be explained.

Campsites & facilities

How large are the campsites?

Each campsite houses approximately 100-200 staff, with accommodation in mobile homes.

Are there telephones on the campsite?

Generally no, most overseas workers prefer to bring their own mobile phone and buy an English SIM card for the phone. SIM cards can be bought cheaply, costing approximately £10. Credit is then purchased separately when required.

Do I have to pay a deposit for accommodation?

Yes, it is standard practice to put down a deposit of £50 the first week you are paid. If the accommodation is left in a satisfactory state at the end of your working period, your deposit will be returned in full.

If I have a problem at the campsite what do I do?

Your first point of contact is your campsite warden. For serious incidents or issues call 999 or 112. We also have an Edward Vinson student line always manned by a member of staff.

Travel

Who pays my travel expenses to England?

The overseas worker normally takes on the cost of travel to and from England. However, if you apply through an agency they might provide additional financial funding.

I have arrived at the airport, what do I do next?

Make your way to the main train station in London, Victoria train Station. The journey from Victoria to Sittingbourne or Faversham takes approximately 1 and a half hour. Ensure that you are also sitting in the correct carriages of the train as sometimes the train divides. (see www.nationalrail.co.uk for further information). The campsites are then only a few minutes away by taxi. Please be aware that you have to make your own way to the farm.

How do I make my way around Kent?

Buses, trains and coaches provide transport to all small and major towns in Kent at reasonable prices.

Working in England

Who are Concordia?

Concordia is a non profit making organisation who acts as an agency for overseas workers.

Will I have to pay tax?

No, Students coming to England through Concordia will be exempt from paying tax up to earnings of £6475.

Yes, other students and non students will normally have to pay 20% on their earnings above £110 each week. If they stop earning in the UK before end of the tax year (5 April) they will probably be able to recover some or, if their earnings are less than £6475, all the tax that they have paid.

The worker will be responsible for making tax repayment claims.

Will I have to get insurance?

Yes, only if you apply for a job or work experience through Concordia will you be automatically insured against injury and for your personal possessions and property.

Do I need a work permit?

If you come from a country outside the European Union, or from Romania or Bulgaria, you will first of all require a work permit. If your nationality is Romanian or Bulgarian this can be applied for through for an agency like Concordia.

Do I have to let any authorities know that I am working in England?

After 4 weeks of working in the UK, Edward Vinson will inform the English Home Office about staff who are citizens of; Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia and Lithuania. Staff from these countries will be required to pay a one off residency fee of £90 to the Home office. Long term residents will also be expected to apply for a National Insurance Number, which is free of charge (however this fee might not exist in 2009).

Application Process

I have just been accepted at Edward Vinson and a friend/member of family has decided they want to work for you too. What should they do?

If you are from Bulgaria or Romania each applicant must apply through an agency. If you are a citizen from the European Union you can apply to Edward Vinson directly through this website.

How will I know if my work application is successful?

Edward Vinson Limited will either inform you directly via email or contact you via phone. If your application was sent in the post you will be contacted by post or phone.

How long will it take to know if I have got a place at Edward Vinson?

Applications are processed as quickly as possible. At peak seasons it may take a bit longer for your application to be processed. Please be patient.

Free time and leisure

What can I do in my spare time?

Edward Vinson put on different types of entertainment and trips throughout the season for all workers. The farms are located not far from several local seaside resorts. The closest towns offer a wide variety of shops and large supermarkets.

Do you have any useful tips?

As most seasonal workers will be working in the summer when it becomes very hot, drinking water regularly to prevent dehydration is advisable. Due to the long hours spent in the sun, workers are encouraged to take sun cream with them to work each day and to apply it on a regular basis.