Fruit Picking Jobs in UK with Sponsorship – Urgent Hiring

If you’re looking for honest seasonal work with a steady paycheck, fruit picking jobs in the UK could be perfect. Most farms pay between £9 and £11 per hour, with some offering piece-rate pay so the faster you work, the more you earn.

These roles are physical, hands-on jobs rather than remote work, making them ideal for anyone who enjoys fresh air and being active. No previous farm experience is required, although it helps if you’ve done outdoor or physically demanding work before. With short-term, seasonal contracts, this is a flexible way to gain work experience abroad and earn money at the same time.

Where Fruit Picking Jobs Are Located:

Most seasonal farm jobs are in rural regions with large orchards or soft-fruit farms, including:

• Kent – apples, strawberries, cherries
• Herefordshire – cider apples, pears, hops
• Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire – berries, salad crops

Details:

Job Title	Fruit Picker (Seasonal Worker)
Employment Type	Seasonal / Temporary (full-time during harvest months)
Typical Schedule	Early mornings, weekends, and holidays during peak seasons
Visa	Seasonal Worker Visa – apply via UK Government

Check Also: General Farm Laborer Jobs in UK with Sponsorship

Requirements:

• Physical fitness: Expect long hours standing, bending, lifting, and working outdoors.
• Visa: Non-UK citizens need a Seasonal Worker Visa (apply after receiving a job offer).
• English skills: Basic conversation is helpful but not mandatory.
• Experience: Farming or outdoor work is an advantage but not essential.
• Flexibility: Working hours can vary depending on crop and weather.

Benefits:

• Earn a steady income: Hourly or piece-rate pay allows flexibility in earnings, with opportunities for bonuses during peak season.
• Affordable accommodation: Many farms provide on-site housing at low cost, making it easier to save money.
• Cultural experience: Work alongside people from around the world and immerse yourself in British rural life.
• Skill development: Gain practical skills such as teamwork, time management, physical stamina, and attention to detail.
• Flexible seasonal work: Short-term contracts allow you to plan your schedule and explore the UK in your free time.
• Connection with nature: Enjoy working outdoors and being active in fresh air, away from city routines.

Types of Fruit Picking Jobs:

Fruit	What to Expect
Apples / Pears	Picked from trees, often using ladders.
Strawberries / Raspberries	Picked from raised beds or polytunnels — gentle handling needed.
Cherries	Harvested from trees using ladders.
Blueberries / Blackberries	Hand-picked in fields or hedgerows.
Grapes	Cut from vines in vineyards.
Plums / Gooseberries	Picked from trees or thorny plants — gloves recommended.

Pay and Hours:

• Hourly rate: £9–£11 (varies by farm and fruit).
• Piece rate: Some farms pay per kilogram or box picked — faster workers can earn more.
• Bonuses: Available on some farms during peak season.
• Hours: Typically 6–8 hours per day, with overtime possible.

Duties:

• Picking fruit to quality standards.
• Sorting, packing, and labeling produce.
• Basic maintenance: weeding, pruning, tidying fields.
• Recording daily output.

Agricultural Worker Visa UK:

The agricultural worker visa UK, officially called the Seasonal Worker Visa, allows overseas workers to take short-term farm jobs in the UK. It’s part of the UK government’s seasonal worker scheme, created to address the agriculture labor shortage.

UK Seasonal Work Visa:

This visa lets you work in horticulture for up to six months. Jobs typically include fruit, vegetable, or flower picking and packing. It’s a temporary route and does not lead to permanent residency.

UK Farms Hiring Foreign Workers:

Many UK fruit and vegetable farms recruit overseas workers each year to fill peak-season roles. Large employers and agencies manage recruitment directly, especially during the summer and autumn harvest seasons.

Seasonal Work Visa Application UK:

To apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa you’ll need:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed scheme operator or approved farm.
• A Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer or recruitment agency.
• Proof of sufficient savings to support yourself.
• A valid passport and travel documents.

Applications are made online through the UK Home Office website. Biometrics and visa fees also apply.

UK Farms Offering Visa Sponsorship:

Farms themselves don’t usually issue sponsorships directly — instead, recruitment agencies and scheme operators manage the sponsorship process. Once you’re selected, they provide the Certificate of Sponsorship you’ll need for your visa.

Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsorship UK:

Licensed operators approved by the UK government act as sponsors for overseas workers. They match applicants to farms, issue Certificates of Sponsorship, and ensure compliance with immigration rules.

UK Fruit Farms Recruiting Overseas Workers:

The highest demand is in soft fruit, salad, and horticultural farms. Regions like Kent, Herefordshire, and Scotland regularly recruit large numbers of overseas workers each season.

Agricultural Recruitment Agencies UK:

Specialist recruitment agencies manage most seasonal farm work applications. Examples include scheme operators approved by the UK Home Office, who arrange placements, sponsorship, and logistics for workers.

UK Government Seasonal Worker Scheme:

The scheme allows thousands of temporary workers from abroad to fill gaps in the UK agriculture labor market. It has expanded annually due to continued labor shortages and is a key pathway for non-UK workers seeking farm jobs.

UK Agriculture Labor Shortage:

Post-Brexit immigration changes have reduced the flow of EU workers, creating a significant shortage in the agricultural sector. This shortage has driven the expansion of the UK seasonal work visa program and increased opportunities for overseas workers.

How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in UK with Sponsorship?

1. Find a job:
Check Indeed, TotalJobs, or specialist agencies like Concordia and HOPS Labour Solutions.

2. Apply online:
Send your CV and cover letter. Highlight your fitness, flexibility, and any relevant experience.

3. Secure a job offer:
Your employer provides the documents you’ll need for a Seasonal Worker Visa.

4. Apply for your visa:
Submit your application via the UK Government website. Attend your biometric appointment for fingerprints and a photo.

5. Prepare for arrival:

• Book your travel.
• Confirm accommodation with your employer.
• Pack essentials such as waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves, and ID documents.

Tips for Success:

• Know your rights: Read up on UK worker rights including minimum wage and working conditions.
• Avoid scams: Work only with licensed recruiters or reputable farms.
• Budget wisely: Farm accommodation can be basic — bring essentials to save money.
• Network: Building relationships with other workers can lead to better roles in future seasons.

Why Consider Fruit Picking Jobs?

Fruit picking in the UK offers more than just a paycheck. It’s a chance to live abroad, meet people from around the world, and experience Britain’s countryside while gaining new skills. With proper preparation and awareness of your rights, you can make your seasonal job a rewarding adventure.

Conclusion:

Fruit picking jobs in the UK offer steady seasonal income, hands-on experience, and a chance to live and work in the countryside. With clear visa options, simple requirements, and flexible roles, they’re an accessible way to earn while exploring a new culture. By preparing well and knowing your rights, you can turn a short-term job into a rewarding life experience.

Frequently Asked Questions: