Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Why have Lantra developed this service?
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Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the country experiencing a Lockdown, there are concerns that Welsh agriculture and horticulture could face a labour shortage.
If a member of a farming family or an employee of the business were to become ill, it is likely that a number of family members / employees would become ill due to the nature of the work environment and the way that the disease spreads, leaving daily tasks uncompleted. This could have a detrimental effect on the business and have serious animal health and welfare issues.
We could also be looking at a shortage of sheep shearers / sheep dipping contractors / foot trimmers / AI Technicians / Fruit pickers / Vets as these individuals move from farm to farm in less than14 days, which could have serious implications on health and spreading the disease.
- 2. Where can I find information on this service?
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Information on the service and the application forms can be found on the Lantra Wales website:
https://www.wales.lantra.co.uk/
There are two separate application forms, one for individuals looking for employment, and one for businesses looking for additional labour.
- 3. Who should submit an application?
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Any agricultural or horticultural business, or a Vet Practice based in Wales who has a labour shortage and is looking for additional help during this time can complete the Business Application Form.
https://www.wales.lantra.co.uk/skills-matching-service-businesses-0
Any individuals that may be looking for employment, people who have been furloughed and students not currently in education can submit the Potential Employee Application Form.
https://www.wales.lantra.co.uk/skills-matching-service-potential-employees-0
- 4. Do the application forms have to be completed online?
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The application forms are very straight forward and easy to complete, however, if a person or business does not have access to the online system, then it will be possible to get assistance with completing the forms over the telephone through the Farming Connect Service Centre.
Please contact the Service Centre on 0845 6000 813 for assistance.
- 5. What sort of information do I need to provide?
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We will require all applicants to supply contact details, including home address, a telephone number and email address.
If an applicant does not have an email address it will be possible to still complete the forms.
Individuals looking for work will need to let us know what skill set they have, what tasks they are prepared to do, if they are looking for part-time or full-time work, how far they are prepared to travel to find work and if they are willing to re-locate if accommodation can be provided.
Businesses looking for additional labour will need to identify the skills set required to carry out the tasks, the number of hours of work required, renumeration and if any training is available.
- 6. How will I know if my application has been submitted successfully?
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Lantra can only process applications that have ticked the consent box on the last page of the application form, this gives Lantra permission to contact the individual or business.
If an email address has been provided, and the consent form has been ticked, upon submission you will receive an automatic email to confirm the information that you have submitted.
- 7. How does Lantra match up individuals and businesses?
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Once a form is completed and submitted, Lantra download the information and manually match up suitable employees and employers.
This is done by looking at the suitability of skills set, location and availability.
Once a potential match is found, the business is contacted to inform them that some suitable matches have been found and to ask them if they would like us to provide their contact details to the individual to arrange an over the phone interview.
At the same time, the individual is contacted to inform them that a suitable vacancy has been found and give them the option of forwarding the employers contact details to them.
It will be up to the individual to contact the business to arrange an over the phone interview / conversation to confirm they are a match.
- 8. How will Lantra know if the match was successful?
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Lantra will follow up with employers and employees two weeks after making contact to determine if the match was successful or not. Further assistance can be provided at this point if necessary.
- 9. How much does it cost?
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The Skills Matching Service is free to use and is not intended to be like a recruitment consultancy. Rather this is our way of helping our sector to meet skills gaps that may emerge during the ongoing crisis. Helping make sure those who have the skills required are best connected to the most appropriate opportunities.
- 10. Are other services like this available?
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Yes, other services are available.
Pick For Britain helps bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British Fruit & Veg for everyone to enjoy. Here, you will find recruiters in your local area, from individual fruit and veg farms to national recruitment agencies that have job opportunities across the country.