smartblogger094Fruit picking is one of the easiest ways for overseas workers to find employment in the UK on a seasonal basis. While the work can be physically demanding, fruit picking offers legal working opportunities for foreign nationals and the potential to earn a decent income. Many farmers and growers in the UK actively recruit fruit pickers from overseas through government-approved visa schemes.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of high paying fruit picking jobs in the UK that provide visa sponsorship. It discusses the top seasonal fruit crops, average earnings, required skills and experience, specifics of applying for a picking visa, and answers some frequently asked questions. The goal is to educate potential workers on navigating this opportunity to work legally in the UK while earning a good wage through seasonal agricultural employment.
Top Fruit Crops and Seasons
There are a number of fruit crops grown commercially across different regions of the UK that require seasonal labour for harvesting. Understanding the main crops and their harvesting periods is important for planning work schedules.
Apple Picking
- Apple orchards are found throughout the UK from April through November.
- Peak season is August through October. Wages are around £10-12/hour.
Cherry Picking
- Cherries are grown predominantly in Kent/Southeast England from mid-June through July.
- Experienced pickers can earn £12-15/hour or more for cherry picking jobs.
Soft Fruit Harvesting (berries, currants etc.)
- Berry farms operate throughout the UK from June through October.
- Berries like strawberries and raspberries offer some of the highest hourly rates at £12-15/hour.
Pear Picking
- Pears are harvested September through November across various regions.
- Pay is similar to apple picking at around £10-12/hour on average.
By focusing applications on these major fruit crops during peak season, overseas job seekers have the best chances of securing employment and earning higher hourly rates. Independent family farms as well as large agricultural operations both recruit seasonal pickers.
Requirements for Picking Jobs
Qualifications
- Minimum age is typically 16 years old.
- No formal qualifications or prior experience is necessary for most entry-level fruit picking roles.
Physical Fitness
- The work involves standing, bending, lifting and walking long distances outdoors every day rain or shine. Applicants should be in good physical health.
Visa Eligibility
- Non-EEA nationals require sponsorship through approved seasonal agricultural worker visa schemes.
Language Skills
- While not always essential, basic English language abilities make daily communication and safety procedures easier on the job.
Reliability
- Employers expect punctuality, full working days, and to fulfill contracted work periods which often last 4-6 months.
Attention to these basic requirements along with a strong work ethic will serve applicants well when applying for fruit picking positions in the UK. Language support may be provided by larger farms.
Seasonal Agricultural Visas
The two main visa routes available for overseas workers to do seasonal fruit picking legally in the UK are:
Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker Visa
- Allows 6-month maximum stay to work on approved farms/food businesses.
- No requirement to have a job offer prior to applying – applicants can search for work upon arrival.
- Visa costs £244 and must be applied for outside the UK.
Sector-Based Work Visa (SBW) – Agriculture Visa
- 6-month maximum stay, must have job offer before applying.
- Applied for outside the UK at a cost of £364.
- Pilot scheme for skilled agricultural workers including fruit pickers.
Both visas require applicants to leave the UK after 6 months of work and do not provide a path to settlement. However, they offer legal employment possibilities on a repeating temporary basis. Farmers actively recruit via these routes and provide accommodation for overseas pickers.
Finding and Applying for Jobs
Once granted a relevant seasonal work visa, jobseekers can utilize the following resources to begin searching for fruit picking positions in the UK:
- Labour provider websites like Concordia and Fruitful Jobs which connect farms directly with overseas workers. These may help secure accommodation too.
- Farm recruitment advertisements on Gumtree and local UK job search sites like Indeed. Search keywords like “fruit picking jobs”, “farm work”, and regional areas.
- Contacting farming unions/co-ops directly, including National Farmers Union (NFU) and Association of Labour Providers (ALP). They maintain member lists.
- Arriving in the UK during peak seasons and inquiring directly with farms that may still need additional workers.
When applying, clearly demonstrate your eligibility to legally work by mentioning your visa type. Provide contact details, language skills if any, availability dates and a brief work history. Following up shows commitment. Accommodation is often provided directly by larger farms.
With preparation and effort, overseas jobseekers stand a good chance of securing well-paying seasonal fruit picking roles that come with the bonus of experiencing UK countryside life and culture temporarily. Employers value hard workers who complete their contract periods.
Earnings Potential
Hourly wages for fruit picking jobs vary depending on crop, region, experience level and performance-based seasonal piece rates. However, motivated individuals can expect to earn the following on average:
- £10-12 per hour for entry level apple, pear and vegetable picking
- £12-14 per hour for strawberries, raspberries and higher skill berry picking
- £14-16 per hour for cherry picking roles
- Piece rates for some berries/soft fruits can exceed £16 per hour for very fast pickers
Working full 8-hour days, 6 days a week over a 4-6 month contract enables top earners to take home £10,000 or more net in a season. Deductions cover accommodation which is provided rent-free on larger farms.
This level of income is significantly higher than what many jobs pay in some overseascountries. Seasonal farm work therefore provides a valuable temporary income opportunity for jobseekers from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers some common questions people have about fruit picking jobs in the UK:
Is farm work difficult physically?
Fruit picking requires being active outdoors for long hours every day. The work can be tiring but keeping hydrated and pacing oneself makes it very manageable. Most find it rewarding to see the fruits of their labour literally.
How is the accommodation?
Farms typically provide basic, dormitory-style housing on site. Expect shared rooms/bathrooms but it is convenient, rent-free and a good way to settle in quickly. Larger farms may have cottages too. Communal kitchens are standard.
What is the social environment like?
Many farms have international workers from all over. A lively, multicultural atmosphere develops as people bond over shared experiences. Farms also organize recreational activities. Overall it fosters memorable cultural exchanges within hardworking communities.
Is it easy to travel while in the UK on a picking visa?
Free time on weekends offers opportunities for short trips around the UK or to nearby cities if accommodation is not too remote. Just be sure to return to resume contracted work and inform your employer of any travel plans as required by visa conditions.
How difficult is it to secure a job with no prior farm experience?
Entry level picking jobs are very attainable even for first timers provided the basic requirements are met. Motivation and work ethic count more than experience initially. Employers prefer reliability over skills which develop on the job under guidance anyways.
Conclusion
Seasonal fruit picking presents an ideal solution for overseas jobseekers wanting to experience UK life and culture while earning good pay legally through temporary agricultural work. With preparation, proper visa channels can be navigated and fulfilling roles found within the booming soft fruit industries. Hard work and dedication are rewarded with higher wages during peak seasons of harvesting UK crops. For motivated individuals, this guide helps unlock opportunities in one of the most accessible blue collar sectors.
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