Imagine spending a summer in the rolling English countryside, where your hard work under the sun helps bring fresh, quality produce to tables across the UK. Fruit picker jobs with R. Boucher & Son Farms offer more than seasonal work they offer a fully supported adventure, complete with a legal UK Seasonal Worker Visa and the peace of mind of free on-site accommodation.
With an attractive wage of £16 to £18 per hour, this opportunity allows you to earn, explore, and experience life in Britain, all while being part of a vital agricultural tradition. If you’re ready for an active outdoor role and a chance to work in UK, your harvest season awaits.
Important Overview & Clarifications
- Position: Seasonal Agricultural Worker (Fruit Picker/Packer).
- Location: Farms across England (Kent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, etc.).
- Industry: Horticulture (Soft Fruit, Top Fruit, Vegetables).
- Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Up to 6 months).
- Visa Type: UK Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Experience: Not required; full training is provided.
Understanding the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
This is the only official route for this type of work. You cannot apply directly to a farm or through a generic job site like GOV.UK. The process is managed by licensed scheme operators.
How It Works:
- Scheme Operators: The UK government licenses specific companies (Scheme Operators) to recruit workers and allocate them to UK farms. You must apply through one of these operators.
- Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The scheme operator, on behalf of a farm like R. Boucher & Son, will provide you with a CoS reference number.
- Visa Application: You use the CoS to apply for your Seasonal Worker Visa online, pay the fee (£298 for up to 6 months), and provide a tuberculosis test result if required.
- Duration: The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months to work for the specific sponsor in the horticulture sector.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Age: 18 or over.
- Passport: Valid for the entire stay.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: From a licensed scheme operator.
- Financial Support: You must have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself upon arrival (held for 28 days).
- TB Test: Required if you are resident in a listed country.
- No Criminal Record: You may need to provide a certificate.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Job Duties
- Hand-picking fruits (strawberries, apples, berries, etc.) according to quality standards.
- Sorting, grading, and packing produce in packhouses.
- General farm duties: planting, weeding, pruning, and cleaning.
- Adhering to strict health, safety, and food hygiene protocols.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to many nationalities. Recruitment is often focused in countries where scheme operators have established networks, including:
- Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia.
- Asia: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines.
- Other Regions: Selected countries in Africa and Central Asia.
Realistic Earnings & Costs
- Wages: Paid hourly (at least minimum wage) or by piece rate. Ensure you understand the pay method. Piece rates require speed to earn a good wage.
- Accommodation Cost: Deducted from your wages. This is regulated but will reduce your take-home pay.
- Travel: You typically pay for your own flight to/from the UK.
- Net Income: After accommodation and travel costs, realistic monthly savings for a diligent worker might range from £300 – £800, not thousands as some ads imply.
How to Apply Legitimately – Step by Ste
Step 1: Find a Licensed Scheme Operator.
Go to the official UK government website and search for “Seasonal Worker visa: guidance for sponsors.” The list of licensed scheme operators (e.g., Concordia, Pro-Force, Fruitful Jobs, AG Recruitment) is published there. Only use operators from this official list.
Step 2: Apply Through the Operator’s Website.
Visit the website of a licensed operator. Complete their application form, which usually involves submitting a CV/video introduction.
Step 3: Interview & Selection.
If shortlisted, you will have an interview (often video-based) with the operator or the farm they represent.
Step 4: Receive Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship.
If selected, the operator will provide you with a job offer and the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
Step 5: Apply for Your Visa.
Use the CoS to complete the online visa application on GOV.UK, pay fees, and attend a biometric appointment.
Step 6: Travel and Begin Work.
Book your travel (self-funded) and join the farm. The operator will organize your airport transfer and onboarding.
Conclusion:
Fruit picker and packer positions in UK, such as those offered by R. Boucher & Son Farms, provide a legitimate and accessible seasonal work opportunity for international applicants. Supported by the UK’s Seasonal Worker Visa program, these roles offer competitive pay, essential benefits like accommodation, and a straightforward legal pathway to work in UK.
While physically demanding, the job requires no prior experience and offers a unique way to live and earn in the English countryside. For those seeking a short-term, well-supported work experience abroad, this represents an excellent and structured opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior farming experience?
No, prior experience is not required. Employers provide full training for all tasks, including picking, sorting, and packing. Physical fitness and a strong work ethic are the most important qualifications
How long can I stay and work in UK on this visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to 6 months to carry out the specific seasonal job for which you were sponsored
