Fruit Picker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025

As the UK prepares for another productive harvest season, fruit picker jobs continue to offer valuable employment opportunities for both domestic and international applicants. With visa sponsorship available through the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, these roles are ideal for individuals seeking temporary work in the agriculture sector.
This article covers everything you need to know about fruit picking jobs in the UK including eligibility, visa requirements, job duties, types of roles, salaries, and how to apply.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Fruit Picker
- Location: Various farms across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales)
- Duration: Seasonal (typically March to October)
- Visa Type: Seasonal Worker Visa
- Eligibility: Open to UK and non-UK residents (with a sponsored job offer)
Requirements:
To work as a fruit picker in the UK under a visa sponsorship program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Minimum 18 years
- Health & Fitness: The job is physically demanding and requires standing, bending, and lifting for extended periods
- Experience: Not required. Training is provided by most employers. However, prior experience in agriculture or manual labor is a plus
- Visa Sponsorship: Required for non-UK residents. You must receive a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor before applying for the Seasonal Worker Visa
Responsibilities:
Fruit pickers are responsible for:
- Harvesting fruits (e.g., apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries) by hand
- Sorting and grading produce by size and quality
- Packing fruits into crates or boxes for delivery
- Following health and safety guidelines on the farm
- Maintaining cleanliness and care of tools or equipment
Salary Expectations:
- The average hourly wage ranges from £8.60 to £12.00, depending on the employer and location
- Some farms offer productivity bonuses or overtime rates
- Wages comply with the UK National Minimum Wage
Job Benefits:
1. Visa Sponsorship Support
UK farms licensed by the government offer full visa sponsorship under the Seasonal Worker Visa. This makes it easier for non-UK residents to secure legal short-term employment.
2. Legal and Safe Work Environment
These jobs are legally regulated and tied to authorized employers, ensuring that your work conditions follow UK health, safety, and labor standards.
3. Competitive Pay Rates
Fruit pickers typically earn between £8.60 and £12.00 per hour. Some roles include overtime pay or productivity bonuses based on your performance.
4. Affordable Accommodation
Most employers provide on-site or nearby shared housing at low weekly rates. This reduces your living expenses and eliminates the stress of finding a place to stay.
5. No Experience Required
You don’t need a background in farming—basic physical fitness is enough. Employers offer full training to help you start, making it ideal for first-time workers.
6. Seasonal Flexibility
Jobs are available throughout the harvest seasons (spring to autumn), allowing you to work temporarily without long-term commitment or permanent relocation.
7. Cultural Exchange Opportunity
Working in the UK gives you a chance to explore British culture and traditions while meeting workers from other countries, creating a truly global experience.
8. Low Living Costs
With meals often prepared on-site and entertainment options limited in rural areas, you’ll find it easier to save money and reduce unnecessary spending.
9. Skills and Work Experience
You’ll gain hands-on experience in agricultural work, develop teamwork and time management skills, and build a strong reference for future job applications abroad.
10. Rehire Possibility
Many farms prefer to rehire reliable seasonal workers for future harvests. This opens doors to repeated short-term employment opportunities each year.
Check Also: Dairy Farm Manager Jobs in UK with Visa – Hiring Now
Job Types:
- Apple Picker: Utilizes ladders and harvesting equipment to harvest apples from orchards.
- Strawberry Picker: Harvests strawberries, typically in fields or tunnels.
- Cherry Picker: Collects cherries, necessitating consistently meticulous handling to prevent injury.
- Grape Picker: Consistently selects grapes for winemaking or consumption in vineyards.
- Blueberry Picker: Typically, blueberries are harvested from trees in rows.
- Raspberry Picker: Collects raspberries that necessitate minimal handling.
- Blackberry Picker: Collects blackberries, often in bramble areas.
- Pear Picker: The act of collecting pears from timber necessitates meticulous handling to prevent damage.
- Plum Picker: Collects plums from trees or shrubs, which are frequently harvested.
- Peach Picker: Picks fruits, necessitating minimal coordination to prevent bruising.
How to Apply for Fruit Picker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025?
Step 1: Research Farms or Recruitment Agencies
Look for licensed employers or approved recruiters such as:
- AG Recruitment & Management Ltd
- Pro-Force Limited
- Fruitful Jobs
- Concordia UK Ltd
Step 2: Apply for Jobs
Submit a CV and, if required, a short cover letter. Highlight any relevant physical labor or farming experience.
Step 3: Receive a Job Offer
You must receive a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa
- Apply online via gov.uk
- Visa fee: £298
- You’ll need to show at least £1,270 in savings unless the sponsor covers it
- The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months
Step 5: Prepare for Travel
Once your visa is approved, coordinate travel, accommodation, and arrival with your employer.
Additional Information:
- Be cautious of fraud. Only apply to jobs from licensed UK sponsors listed on the official government site
- Most jobs are in rural areas and may involve long hours in variable weather conditions
- Accommodation may be basic or shared, and charges may apply
- These jobs are temporary and do not lead to permanent residency
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for seasonal work in the UK, fruit picking offers a hands-on experience with competitive pay and cultural exchange opportunities. With visa sponsorship available, it’s an accessible path for many non-UK workers looking to gain international job experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need prior experience to apply?
No. Most fruit picking jobs do not require previous experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training. However, any background in farm work or manual labor can be beneficial.
What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa is a UK visa that allows foreign nationals to work in edible horticulture (e.g., fruit, vegetable, and flower picking) for up to 6 months. It is specifically designed for temporary, seasonal jobs in agriculture.
Can foreigners apply for fruit picker jobs in the UK?
Yes. Foreign nationals can apply for fruit picker jobs in the UK under the Seasonal Worker Visa program, which allows short-term work in the agriculture sector. You must receive a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor before applying for the visa.