general farm worker jobs in uk with visa sponsorship The UK offers significant opportunities for international workers seeking farm employment through its Seasonal Worker visa program. This temporary work route allows foreign nationals to work in British agriculture, particularly in horticulture and poultry sectors, with full visa sponsorship from licensed employers.
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General Farm Worker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
The UK offers significant opportunities for international workers seeking farm employment through its Seasonal Worker visa program. This temporary work route allows foreign nationals to work in British agriculture, particularly in horticulture and poultry sectors, with full visa sponsorship from licensed employers.
Overview of the Seasonal Worker Visa
The UK Seasonal Worker visa is specifically designed for agricultural workers aged 18 and over who want to work temporarily in British farms13. This visa replaced the previous Tier 5 Temporary Worker scheme and offers two main pathways:
Eligible Farm Work Activities
The Seasonal Worker visa covers a wide range of agricultural activities13:
| Sector | Specific Work Areas |
|---|---|
| Field Vegetables | Leafy salads, potatoes, herbs |
| Soft Fruits | Strawberries, raspberries, outdoor and covered production |
| Top Fruits | Apples, plums, cherries |
| Protected Vegetables | Greenhouse/glasshouse production |
| Flowers & Plants | Bulbs, cut flowers, pot plants, bedding plants |
| Specialty Crops | Mushrooms, vines, hops, Christmas trees |
| Nursery Stock | Hardy ornamental plants, tree and forest nurseries |
Key Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older13
- Need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer3
- Prove £1,270 in savings (held for at least 28 days) unless employer certifies maintenance3
- Pass health and character assessments3
Licensed Scheme Operators
Several major recruitment agencies are authorized to sponsor seasonal workers22242528:
- Concordia – Operating since 1943, government-trusted recruiter
- HOPS Labour Solutions – Licensed scheme operator for horticulture
- Pro-Force – Operator for both horticulture and poultry schemes
- RE Recruitment – One of two suppliers for poultry sector visas
- Fruitful Jobs – Seasonal worker scheme operator
- AG Recruitment – Agricultural recruitment specialist
These operators work directly with UK farms and handle the sponsorship process, ensuring workers pay no recruitment fees22.
Worker Rights and Conditions
Employment Benefits
- National Minimum Wage guaranteed (currently £11.44/hour for workers 23+)3
- 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year (accrued proportionally)3
- 32 hours minimum pay per week guaranteed by some operators25
- Safe working conditions with proper training and equipment3
- Protection from discrimination3
Current Job Market
Job listings show various opportunities available4727:
- Farm assistants and general workers
- Tractor drivers and machinery operators
- Fruit and vegetable pickers
- Greenhouse workers
- Poultry farm workers
- Nursery stock workers
Typical pay ranges from £10-20 per hour depending on role and experience2. Many positions offer additional benefits including:
Important Considerations
Application Timing
- Apply up to 3 months before your start date1
- Can enter UK up to 14 days before job begins3
- Poultry workers must apply by November 15 for October-December work1
Financial Requirements
While the visa fee is £319, workers should budget for:
- Travel costs to the UK
- Initial living expenses
- Potential accommodation deposits
- No access to public funds while in UK
Compliance and Protection
The UK government has implemented strict measures to protect seasonal workers23:
- Regular compliance checks on farms
- Welfare assessments for workers
- Licensed operators must hold Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) licenses3
- Workers can report issues to GLAA if problems arise
How to Find Sponsored Positions
- Contact licensed scheme operators directly – They recruit workers and match them with farms
- Check job boards – Indeed, Simply Hired, and specialized agricultural job sites list positions47
- Review the official Register of Licensed Sponsors – Updated regularly by the Home Office19
- Work with recruitment agencies specializing in agricultural placements
The Seasonal Worker visa provides a legitimate pathway for international workers to gain valuable experience in UK agriculture while addressing critical labor needs in the farming sector. With proper planning and working through authorized channels, this program offers rewarding temporary employment opportunities in British agriculture.
Financial Benefits
- Hourly wages range from £9-12 per hour in 2025, with the average at £10.18 per hour12
- The average farm worker salary in the United Kingdom is £23,801 per year or £12.21 per hour3
- Entry-level positions pay £10-12 per hour, experienced laborers earn £12-£15 hourly, and specialist positions may exceed £15 per hour4
- Opportunities for overtime work during peak seasons
Accommodation & Living Benefits
- Many businesses provide benefits like housing and meals in addition to the hourly income, which can assist defray living expenses12
- Many farms offer free or low-cost on-site accommodation, reducing living expenses for workers2
- Transportation assistance to and from work locations
- Some employers provide free or subsidized meals during working hours
Professional Development Benefits
- Earn income while gaining new skills related to planting, harvesting, and farm maintenance1
- Farming occupations facilitate the acquisition of valuable skills, including manual labor, machinery operation, animal care, and produce management5
- Learning opportunities about contemporary agricultural techniques, organic farming, and sustainable practices5
- On-the-job training provided for new workers
How To Apply
Apply Now
Conclusion
Farm worker jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship offer excellent opportunities for international workers seeking to gain experience in one of the world’s most respected agricultural sectors. These positions provide practical agricultural skills, allow workers to visit breathtaking landscapes, earn reasonable living wages, and are accessible to international applicants due to accommodation options and visa sponsorship, creating a rewarding and educational experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum age requirement for farm work in the UK?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old7 to qualify for seasonal farm worker positions with visa sponsorship.
2. How long can I stay in the UK on a Seasonal Worker visa?
The UK Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for up to 6 months to work in horticulture7.
3. Can I bring my family on a Seasonal Worker visa?
Visa holders are not allowed to remain in the UK long-term, claim benefits or bring their families8.
4. Do I need previous farming experience?
While prior farming experience is advantageous, it is not typically required7. Many farms provide new hires with on-the-job training2.
5. What are the financial requirements for the visa?
Applicants must show funds of at least £1,270, held in their bank account for at least 28 days in a row9, unless the employer covers these costs.