Kazakhstani fruit picker shares struggles on Kent farm

Ilyas, a 32-year-old Kazakhstani man, began working on a Kent farm in July after arriving in the UK on a seasonal worker visa. He had previously worked in IT but sought better earnings, hoping to earn more than his monthly salary of £830. However, on his first day of cherry picking, he faced unrealistic targets and harsh working conditions, leading to frustration and conflict with supervisors. Ilyas claimed he was treated poorly and felt dehumanized by the demands placed on him. The farm, Mansfields, is one of the largest in the UK, and its management emphasized the importance of meeting productivity targets. The chief executive, Lee Port, stated that new pickers are expected to achieve 50-60% of the target on their first day. Ilyas, however, only managed to pick 0.8 trays per hour, significantly below the average. Port attributed this underperformance to a lack of motivation among workers, exacerbated by the recent increase in the living wage. Ilyas expressed disappointment over his earnings, which were affected by the costs incurred before arriving in the UK, including flights and fees paid to a third party in Kazakhstan. Pro-Force, the recruitment agency involved, stated that they were investigating Ilyas's claims and noted that there were documented concerns regarding his conduct and performance during his employment. The situation highlights the challenges faced by seasonal workers in the UK, particularly regarding working conditions, expectations, and the financial burdens they carry. Ilyas's experience raises questions about the treatment of migrant workers and the pressures they endure in pursuit of better opportunities.