High-Paying Fruit Picker & Packer Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

In the UK, fruit picker and packer roles with visa sponsorship offer a lucrative chance for international candidates interested in the agricultural sector. These positions play a vital role during the harvest season, providing crucial labor to farms across the country. As labor shortages persist in this sector, visa sponsorship for such roles has become increasingly common.

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Overview Fruit Picker & Packer Jobs in UK

In the agricultural sector, fruit pickers and packers play a crucial role in harvesting and packaging fruit on farms. This work entails physical labor and exposure to diverse weather conditions. Given the UK’s reliance on seasonal workers, these roles are especially vital during peak harvest periods.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Harvesting: Picking fruit according to specific instructions to ensure quality.
• Sorting and Packing: Grading fruit by size and quality and packing it into containers for shipment.
• Quality Control: Checking fruits for quality issues like bruises or pests.
• Equipment Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment used in fruit picking and packing.
• Compliance: Adhering to health and safety regulations and any specific farm policies.

Picker Responsibilities:

• Ensuring work areas are kept clean, neat and well-organized.
• Packing incoming stock away, taking inventory and reporting shortages.
• Keeping records of incoming and outgoing shipments.
• Picking orders as requested by management.
• Sealing and tagging containers, confirming accuracy of orders and signing pick tickets to confirm.
• Ensuring correct shipping information is attached and moving completed orders to shipping area.
• Placing containers on pallets, and securing with stretch wrap, shrink wrap and strapping.
• Loading and unloading trucks by using totes, jacks and forklifts.
• Complying with OSHA and other safety regulations.
• Assisting in maintaining security of warehouse.

Packer Responsibilities:

• Ensure that items are undamaged.
• Clean shipping containers.
• Label items.
• Pack items into shipping containers.
• Seal and label shipping containers.

Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picker Jobs

• Seasonal Worker Visa: The Seasonal Worker visa in the UK enables individuals to engage in edible horticulture activities, such as fruit picking and packing, for a duration of up to six months.
• Sponsor Licence Requirement: Under this scheme, employers must hold a valid sponsor license to hire international workers. To do so, they must demonstrate their inability to find suitable candidates from within the UK.

Application Process

1. Find a Job: Explore job opportunities in agriculture by checking out listings on dedicated agricultural job boards, reaching out to recruitment agencies specializing in farm labor, or directly visiting agricultural company websites.
2. Visa Sponsorship: Before proceeding, ensure the employer offers visa sponsorship and holds a valid sponsor license. Additionally, request a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from them, as it is necessary for your visa application.
3. Apply for a Visa: Once you have a job offer and a CoS, you can apply for the Seasonal Worker visa.

Required Qualifications

• Physical Fitness: Due to the demanding nature of the job, physical fitness is essential.
• Experience: Previous experience in farming or fruit picking can be advantageous but is often not required.
• Language Skills: Basic English language skills may be necessary to understand instructions and safety regulations.

Salary Range

The compensation for fruit pickers and packers is generally aligned with the UK minimum wage, though it may slightly vary depending on the farm’s location. Additionally, pay structures can be performance-based, with certain farms offering payment based on the quantity of fruit picked.

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Final Thoughts On Fruit Picker and Packer Jobs

For international workers seeking a foothold in the UK job market, fruit picker and packer roles with visa sponsorship serve as a practical starting point. These positions are vital for the agricultural sector, providing seasonal income opportunities. Prospective candidates should be prepared for the physical demands and seasonal nature of the work.