Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025

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Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025. The United Kingdom’s agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food supply and rural economic sustainability. One essential part of this industry is fruit picking, a seasonal occupation that not only supports local production but also provides employment opportunities to thousands of foreign workers each year. With the ongoing labor shortages and the UK government’s Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme in place, 2025 promises to be a fruitful year for those seeking fruit picking jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about fruit picking jobs in the UK for 2025—eligibility, visa processes, job types, expected salaries, working conditions, and more. Whether you’re a student looking for summer work abroad or a skilled agricultural worker seeking international opportunities, this article is tailored for you.

1. Types of Fruit Picking Jobs

Here are some typical roles available: Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025.

Job Title Description Duration
Strawberry Picker Pick and sort strawberries by hand or with equipment. April – June
Apple Harvester Harvest apples from trees, often in large orchards. August – October
Berry Picker Collect blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. May – July
Packing Operative Clean, grade, and pack fruit in crates and containers. Varies

2. Overview of Fruit Picking Jobs in the UK

Fruit picking jobs are generally seasonal roles offered by UK farms to meet harvest demands, especially during spring and summer. These jobs include harvesting:

  • Strawberries

  • Apples

  • Plums

  • Raspberries

  • Cherries

  • Blueberries

  • Pears

The majority of these jobs are located in rural areas such as Kent, Herefordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Scotland, where large fruit farms operate from March to October.


2(B) . Demand for Foreign Workers in 2025

The UK’s decision to leave the European Union created a labor vacuum in the agricultural sector. EU nationals, who once filled these roles, are no longer available in large numbers, prompting the UK government to expand the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme. In 2025, the government has continued its commitment to offering up to 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas, with an option to increase this number based on labor demand.


3. What is the Seasonal Worker Visa (T5)?

The Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work – T5) allows foreign nationals to work in the UK in specific sectors, including horticulture (i.e., fruit and vegetable picking). This visa is sponsored by UK employers who are approved by the Home Office.

Key Features:

  • Valid for up to 6 months.

  • Restricted to horticultural work (fruit, vegetables, or flowers).

  • Requires sponsorship by a UK employer.

  • Allows visa holders to work full-time, but not in any other type of job.


4. Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship

To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa for fruit picking jobs in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Job Offer: Must have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Provided by the employer.

  • Proof of Funds: Must have at least £1,270 in savings unless employer covers expenses.

  • Health and Character Requirements: No criminal record and good health.


How To Apply

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5. How to Apply for the Visa

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Find a Job: Apply to farms or labor providers with visa sponsorship.

  2. Receive a CoS: The employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

  3. Online Application: Submit your visa application via the UK Government visa portal.

  4. Biometrics and Interview: Visit a visa application center in your country.

  5. Wait for Decision: Usually processed within 3 weeks.



7. Salary Expectations

Average Pay:

  • Hourly Rate: £10.50 – £12.00

  • Weekly Pay: £400 – £600, depending on hours worked.

Most jobs pay by the hour, though some use a piece rate system where workers are paid based on the quantity picked. UK law ensures workers are paid at least the National Minimum Wage.


8. Working Conditions

Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025. Fruit picking is physically demanding and requires:

  • Long hours (8–10 hours/day)

  • Working in all weather conditions

  • Manual labor including bending, lifting, and carrying

However, most farms provide breaks, basic accommodations, and sometimes meals or food vouchers.


9. Accommodation and Living Conditions

Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025. Most employers offer on-site accommodation, typically in shared cabins or caravans. Basic facilities include:

  • Shared kitchens and bathrooms

  • Wi-Fi (sometimes)

  • Electricity and heating

  • Weekly rent: £50–£70

While not luxurious, these accommodations are functional and help workers save on transportation.


10. Top Companies and Farms Hiring in 2025

Company/Farm Name Location Job Role
Hall Hunter Partnership Berkshire Berry Picking
AC Goatham & Son Kent Apple and Pear Picking
G’s Fresh Cambridgeshire Vegetable Harvesting
S&A Produce Herefordshire Strawberry and Raspberry
Barfoots of Botley West Sussex Field Operative

11. How to Find and Apply for Jobs

Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025. You can apply directly on company websites or use recruitment platforms like:

  • Agri-HR

  • Fruitful Jobs

  • Concordia UK

  • Pro-Force

  • HOPS Labour Solutions

Many agencies are partnered with farms and offer step-by-step support for overseas applicants.


12. Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in the UK

  • Visa Sponsorship: Guaranteed for selected candidates.

  • International Work Experience: Valuable on CV.

  • Short-Term Commitment: Seasonal flexibility.

  • Cultural Exchange: Meet people from around the world.

  • Savings Potential: Limited expenses if living on-site.


13. Challenges to Consider

Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025

While rewarding, these roles also come with challenges:

  • Physically exhausting

  • Weather unpredictability

  • Limited leisure time

  • Possibility of long waiting lists for visa approvals

Proper preparation can help overcome these obstacles.


14. Tips for a Successful Application

Fruit Picking Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsored 2025

  • Apply early: Preferably before the season starts (January – March).

  • Prepare a clear, concise CV.

  • Emphasize any manual labor experience.

  • Obtain health insurance even for short stays.

  • Stay in touch with your recruitment agency or employer regularly.


15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a fruit picking job in the UK without experience?

Yes. Most fruit picking jobs do not require prior experience. Employers provide on-the-job training for all seasonal workers.

2. Are there age limits for applying?

You must be at least 18 years old. There’s no upper age limit, but physical fitness is essential due to the demanding nature of the work.

3. How long can I stay in the UK with the Seasonal Worker visa?

The visa is valid for up to 6 months, after which you must return to your home country. It is not extendable or convertible to another visa.

4. Will I be provided accommodation?

Yes, most employers offer basic shared accommodations on or near the farm, usually at a subsidized cost.

5. How much money can I earn during the season?

Workers can expect to earn between £400 and £600 per week, depending on their productivity and hours worked.

6. Can I bring my family on a Seasonal Worker visa?

No. The Seasonal Worker visa does not allow dependents. You must travel and work alone.


Conclusion

Fruit picking jobs in the UK in 2025 offer an excellent opportunity for foreigners looking to work abroad with visa sponsorship. With increasing demand, government support through the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme, and reliable income, thousands are expected to take up these roles.

While the job can be tough and physically demanding, the benefits—such as free or low-cost accommodation, visa sponsorship, and short-term employment flexibility—make it a valuable experience. If you’re ready to explore the UK countryside while earning and gaining international work experience,

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