The Work Authorisation rules allow the participants to work legally only on a HOPS registered farm and not organise their own work elsewhere.
The SAWS Workcard is a Work Authorisation Document; however this document is only valid for your employment by the named employer on the Workcard.
If the participant leaves the employment of the employer recorded on the Workcard to work elsewhere, without the authority of HOPS, it will be recorded that the applicant is no longer participating on the SAWS and the participant will be reported to Work Abuse. The consequences of working anywhere other than where Work Authorisation Documents permit will result in ‘on the spot fines’ for both the employee and employer.
It is illegal for you to work anywhere other than a HOPS registered farm and you MUST have supporting Work Authorisation Documents for your employment on that farm.
As the scheme Operator, HOPS is charged with the responsibility of recruiting suitably qualified and skilled candidates to participate in the scheme and therefore be employed, on a temporary basis, by a UK farmer or grower for a maximum period of 6 months.