The United Kingdom is a major hub for agricultural work, particularly in fruit picking. These jobs continue to offer excellent opportunities for international applicants seeking visa sponsorship. With seasonal roles available across various UK regions, fruit picking is a practical entry point for foreign workers aiming to gain short-term employment.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Fruit Picker
- Location: Across UK farms – especially in Kent, Herefordshire, and Cambridgeshire
- Employment Type: Seasonal (typically up to 6 months)
- Work Schedule: Full-time, including weekends and holidays during peak harvest periods
- Visa Type: UK Seasonal Worker Visa
- Sponsorship: Provided by licensed UK employers
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Farm Machine Operator Jobs in UK
Requirements:
To be eligible for a fruit-picking job with visa sponsorship, applicants must meet the following:
- Physical Fitness: Able to perform manual labor, including bending, standing, lifting, and carrying produce for extended hours.
- Work Visa: Non-UK residents need a Seasonal Worker Visa, sponsored by the employer.
- Basic English Skills: Helpful for communication and following safety instructions.
- Experience: Prior agricultural or manual labor experience is preferred but not essential.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work variable shifts, including weekends and early mornings.
Benefits:
Fruit picking jobs in the UK offer more than just short-term employment. With visa sponsorship, international workers enjoy several advantages that make these roles especially appealing in 2025:
Legal Entry & Employment
Visa sponsorship ensures that you can legally live and work in the UK under the Seasonal Worker Visa, typically valid for up to 6 months in horticulture.
No Experience Required
Most fruit picking jobs are entry-level positions. No prior agricultural experience is necessary—just physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors.
Competitive Pay
- Hourly wage typically ranges between £9.50 – £11.50, with some farms offering piece rate pay (earn more by picking more).
- Some farms offer performance bonuses during peak seasons.
Accommodation Provided
Many sponsoring farms provide:
- On-site housing or local accommodation
- Often at a low or subsidized cost
- Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities
This makes living costs more manageable and simplifies relocation.
Cultural Experience
- Work with people from different nationalities
- Experience UK rural life and traditions
- Improve your English communication skills through daily practice
Skill Development
Gain practical skills like:
- Time management
- Physical endurance
- Teamwork and coordination
- Basic quality control and harvesting techniques
These skills can support future employment in agriculture or other sectors.
Support from Trusted Recruiters
Many farms work through licensed recruiters like Concordia or HOPS Labour Solutions, who:
- Assist with the visa application process
- Offer guidance on travel, housing, and job duties
- Provide legal protection and fair work standards
No Long-Term Commitment
These jobs are seasonal, ideal for those looking for:
- Short-term work
- Income during study breaks or gap years
- Experience abroad without needing to settle permanently
Duties:
- Harvesting: Picking fruits by hand using proper tools and handling techniques.
- Sorting & Packing: Categorizing produce by size and quality, packing for shipment.
- Field Maintenance: Tasks like weeding, pruning, and keeping the area clean.
- Quality Control: Ensuring only ripe and undamaged fruit is picked and packaged.
- Reporting: Tracking daily quantities and reporting any issues to supervisors.
Salary Expectations:
Wages may vary based on location, fruit type, and farm policies.
- Hourly Rate: £9.50 – £11.50/hour (can vary with national minimum wage updates)
- Piece Rate: Some farms pay per box or kilogram picked (more productive workers can earn more)
- Bonuses: Offered during peak season for meeting or exceeding targets
Types of Fruit Picking Jobs:
- Apple harvesting: This is frequently conducted in expansive orchards, necessitating the use of ladders and pickers by humans.
- Strawberry picking: This is typically entails the selection of fruit from raised beds or conspicuous baskets.
- Raspberries selection: Selecting raspberries necessitates meticulous handling to prevent damage to the delicate fruit.
- Cherry choice: This process involves the use of mountaineering ladders to select mature cherries from the wood.
- Blueberry Picking: This activity is typically conducted in fields, and it necessitates individuals to manually select the fruit.
- Grape Harvesting: A common practice in vineyards, this process frequently entails the removal of grapes from the vine.
- Pear-picking: Similar to apple-picking, it necessitates meticulous management of the outcome.
- Plum picking: The act of selecting mature plums from the bushes.
- Blackberry Gathering: Typically results in the collection of blackberries in fields or hedgerows.
- Gooseberry Gathering: Involves the removal of fruit from trees, which are frequently surrounded by thorny flora.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Fruit Picking Jobs in UK 2025?
Search for Jobs
Look for farms or agencies offering visa-sponsored positions:
Prepare Your Application
- CV/Resume: Include relevant experience, physical capability, and any farm work background.
- Cover Letter: Express your interest and flexibility.
- References: Provide contacts from previous jobs, if applicable.
Submit Your Application
- Apply online via job boards or farm websites
- Email your CV and documents to farm recruiters
- If already in the UK, visit farms directly to inquire about openings
Apply for the Visa
After receiving a job offer:
- Seasonal Worker Visa Application: Apply at gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa
- Documents Needed: Passport, job offer letter, Certificate of Sponsorship
- Biometric Appointment: Submit fingerprints and photo at a UK visa center
Prepare for Arrival
- Travel Plans: Book your flight to the UK after visa approval
- Accommodation: Confirm with your employer
- Pack Essentials: Bring work-appropriate clothing and necessary documents
Conclusion:
Fruit picking jobs in the UK offer an accessible and practical way for international workers to gain legal employment with visa sponsorship in 2025. With competitive wages, cultural immersion, and support from licensed employers, seasonal farm work remains a reliable job route—especially for those seeking short-term income and international experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is accommodation provided?
Many farms provide on-site accommodation, either free or at a low weekly cost. This is often shared and includes basic facilities.
Is experience required for fruit picking jobs?
No. Prior experience is not required, but physical fitness, basic English skills, and a willingness to work flexible hours are important.
Can foreigners apply for fruit picking jobs in the UK?
Yes. The UK offers seasonal fruit picking jobs to foreign workers through the Seasonal Worker Visa, which allows individuals to work in horticulture (e.g., picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers) for up to 6 months
