Seasonworker

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Not to be confused with Seasonal worker.
Cabaret by seasonworkers in Ibiza

In the United Kingdom, a seasonworker (also called a holiday rep or a saisonaire) is a person who spends either their summers or winters working abroad for a tour operator.

Overview[]

Ibiza poster featuring seasonworkers

A seasonworker can spend up to eight months abroad; as a result, the job is often filled by those on a gap year, students, or those looking for a career break. The jobs are usually low-paid, but accommodation is generally included, as are perks such as ski passes for winter seasons. Seasonworkers usually benefit from much free time, discounts around the resort at which they are based, and the chance to learn about new cultures. Among the activities a seasonworker might be involved in providing are kids club daycare, a dance party, a pool party, and general party planning such as hosting nightlife events, cabaret and nightclub acts, singles events, yoga classes, aerobics classes, and other outdoor activities.

Pool party at Ibiza Rocks hotel

Due to the holiday-like conditions they live in, seasonworkers can have a reputation for being rowdy and irresponsible and encouraging acts such as binge-drinking,[1] an image largely promoted by British television programmes such as Ibiza Uncovered, Ibiza Weekender, and Club Reps. This led to a backlash against many "Brits abroad" holidays by the police and other authorities.[2]

Seasonworkers who work for family camping companies such as Canvas Holidays, Eurocamp, Camping Life, and Keycamp may be somewhat unhappy being associated with the word "rep" and so go by the traditional title of "courier". Being a seasonworker can be enjoyable but there are times when hard work is required, usually on changeover days when everything needs to be cleaned. Also, on many campsites, owners insist that "live tents" are generally situated in the worst location i.e. next to rubbish containers or cesspits.[3]

Seasonworkers for the above mentioned companies generally get to live in a tent for the summer. While this may sound undesirable, the tents are huge and have their own bedrooms. There is a least one tent that is used as the live tent, which is a tent used for cooking and general socialising. This can be hard too depending on the location of the toilet blocks and water supplies. Some companies, but not all, provide mobile homes for their couriers. Camping seasonworkers will generally have to wear brightly coloured uniforms consisting of shorts, T-shirts, tracksuit bottoms, fleeces, and caps. The colours of the uniforms reflect each company's unique branding.

The best seasonal work comes with qualifications; for example, sailing and jetskiing instructors enjoy an excellent lifestyle compared to those acting solely as reps, chalet maids, cleaners, and cooks.

References[]

  1. ^ Confessions of a club rep | Travel | The Guardian
  2. ^ BBC NEWS | England | Lancashire | TV show blamed for Faliraki trouble
  3. ^ Season Workers Forum: Transfer Rep

The Season Workers website

season life - The season workers website

External links[]

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