UKME

UKME Employee Review

Toxic and stressful working environment

Assistant Gardener (Current Employee) - Windlesham - 3 May 2023

If you value your mental health, avoid working for this toxic company at all costs. The pay is good, the hours they expect from you though on the gardening team are insane in the summer periods. Some of the staff pride themselves on the amount of hours they do in soaring heat, like it’s a badge of honour.They will exploit you, lie to you, manipulate you and make you lose your passion for horticulture. The company keep taking on more properties, but can’t bring enough staff in through the door, while more leave the company because they’ve had enough of it.You don’t get valued for your qualifications, or your experience, but for being a yes man and doing what you’re told, even if it’s wrong. If you don’t toe the line, forget about a promotion. The gardening hierarchy protect bullies, while getting rid of anyone who raises anything bad about the company.The first aid kits are never checked or updated, and the majority of the gardeners don’t have first aid training which is really poor working practice. The health and safety at the company is a complete joke.If you’re passionate about gardening, go somewhere else.

Pros

Good salary, bonuses, overtime

Cons

Long hours in the summer, poor management, a toxic working environment, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, racism, bad health and safety

Ratings by category

1.0 out of 5 stars for Work/Life Balance

4.0 out of 5 stars for Salary/Benefits

3.0 out of 5 stars for Job security/advancement

1.0 out of 5 stars for Management

1.0 out of 5 stars for Culture

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Excellent pay, poor conditions

Gardener (Former Employee) - Longcross, Surrey - 9 April 2023

The pay was very good and there was plenty of overtime during the summer if you wanted it.The work culture and approach to horticulture was very rigid, old school and uninspiring. The level of communication and organisation from management was inconsistent.Good quality uniform and PPE was provided - we were able to request extra if we needed it.Equipment was mostly well-maintained and again, we could request repairs, replacements or additional tools as necessary.The break room and staff facilities were basic and unhygienic.Morale was consistently low during my time there, with many people planning to move on to other jobs.I would recommend this position to somebody money-motivated looking to load up as many hours as they can doing hard physical labour.

Pros

Pay, overtime, friendly colleagues, decent equipment

Cons

Rigid culture, poor communication and organisation at times, low morale, poor staff facilities

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Same role

Hard Work, but Educational

Gardener (Former Employee) - Longcross, Surrey - 28 September 2018

This job was very exhausting. I was very tired throughout my time working there, feeling as if I was only coming home to sleep, and spending the weekend recovering from aching. My co-workers were nice, and easy to get along with. they showed me how to do my job, using the equipment, and I learnt a lot from that. Some of the labour was enjoyable, such as mowing the grass and using the leaf blowers. The management felt very strict. I personally wouldn't chose to work there again, as I couldn't handle the manual labour. However, if someone is looking for manual labour work, this is a good job.

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Same role

Shocking.

Seasonal Gardener (Former Employee) - Chertsey, Surrey - 13 February 2017

From day one the job was a shambles. Very over staffed. Was stood around looking for work as most of the time didn't know who was doing what and no manager telling me what to do. A lack of organising skills, no communication between managers to staff and overall atmosphere of people wanting to leave the job. The uniform I was issued was in such a bad state that I felt ashamed to wear it! Three days In a row I was made to turn over and edge the same flower beds for no point other than to me made to "look busy" The staff canteen rooms were I was suppose to eat were disgusting, no seating for all staff and the facilities were dirty. I think the office staff that done my application were a lovely bunch and very helpful overall. Personally I would never recommend anyone to work in the garden side of the company!