Fruit picking jobs in England are an excellent opportunity for seasonal workers, particularly international applicants looking for visa sponsorship. The UK’s agricultural sector, especially in regions like Kent, Herefordshire, and Cornwall, offers numerous seasonal roles in fruit picking, packing, and sorting. For 2024, there is a growing demand for workers, and many farms are willing to sponsor visas for foreign applicants under the UK’s Seasonal Worker Visa scheme.
This guide will provide you with essential details about Fruit Picking Jobs in England with Visa Sponsorship, the application process, and how to secure a job for the upcoming season.
Contents
Job Details:
- Job Title: Fruit Picker / Farm Worker
- Location: Various regions in England (Kent, Cornwall, Herefordshire, etc.)
- Job Type: Full-time, Seasonal
- Salary: £10 – £12 per hour (depending on the employer)
- Visa Sponsorship: Available under the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
- Accommodation: Often provided by employers (usually at a subsidized cost)
- Working Hours: Typically 40-48 hours per week (may include weekends)
Key Responsibilities:
- Harvesting Fruit: Picking fruits such as strawberries, apples, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Sorting and Packing: Ensuring the quality of picked fruit by sorting and packing them according to size and ripeness.
- Maintaining Equipment: Basic upkeep of farm tools and equipment used in fruit picking.
- Adherence to Safety Protocols: Following farm safety guidelines to ensure a secure working environment.
- Loading Produce: Assisting in loading picked and packed fruit onto transport vehicles.
Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in England:
- No Experience Needed:
- Most farms do not require previous experience in fruit picking. However, having some basic knowledge of farming or agriculture is an advantage.
- Physical Fitness:
- Fruit picking is physically demanding, requiring workers to be fit enough to stand for long hours, bend, and carry produce.
- English Language Skills:
- Basic knowledge of English is often required to follow instructions and communicate with supervisors.
- Visa Eligibility:
- International applicants need to be eligible for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa. The visa allows you to work in the UK for up to six months, and employers must prove that there are no available UK workers for the role.
- Age:
- Applicants must generally be 18 years or older to qualify for visa sponsorship.
- Work Ethic:
- Farms are looking for reliable, hard-working individuals who can work efficiently and follow farm protocols.
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in England:
- Visa Sponsorship:
- Employers provide sponsorship for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, making it easier for foreign workers to legally work in England.
- Accommodation:
- Many farms offer free or subsidized accommodation to workers. Accommodation can range from shared houses to caravans, often situated on or near the farm.
- Flexible Working Hours:
- Seasonal farm jobs offer flexible working schedules, which can include working in shifts and earning overtime.
- Travel Opportunities:
- Fruit picking jobs provide a chance to explore England’s beautiful countryside, with farms located in scenic regions.
- Skill Development:
- While entry-level, these jobs can teach important skills in farming, agriculture, and teamwork, which can be valuable for future employment.
How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in England with Visa Sponsorship:
- Research Job Portals:
- Use job search platforms like Indeed, Totaljobs, or Agri-HR to find fruit picking roles that offer visa sponsorship.
- Apply Directly to Farms:
- Many large farms in England advertise job vacancies on their websites. For example, companies like Hall Hunter Partnership and G’s Fresh often hire seasonal workers and may offer visa sponsorship.
- Recruitment Agencies:
- International recruitment agencies, such as Pro-Force and Concordia, specialize in placing workers in UK farms under the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme.
- Prepare Your CV:
- Make sure your resume highlights any relevant work experience, even if it’s unrelated to farming. Emphasize your physical fitness, work ethic, and willingness to learn.
- Visa Process:
- After securing a job offer, your employer will initiate the Seasonal Worker Visa application process. You will need to provide proof of your identity, job offer, and other required documents.
UK Seasonal Worker Visa Details:
- Duration: The visa allows you to work for up to six months in the UK, usually during the harvest season (March to September).
- Eligibility: Employers must prove that they cannot fill the job position with a UK national.
- Application Cost: The visa application fee is £259, and applicants must also pay for healthcare insurance as part of the process.
Related: Factory Jobs in Luxembourg with Visa Sponsorship 2024
Conclusion:
Fruit picking jobs in England with visa sponsorship offer a great opportunity for foreign workers to experience working in the UK’s agricultural sector. With competitive wages, accommodation, and visa support, these seasonal jobs are perfect for individuals looking to work abroad and gain experience. Start your search on job portals, apply directly to farms, or seek assistance from recruitment agencies to secure your role for the 2024 picking season.