If you’re looking to work in the UK for a short-term seasonal role in 2026, you can expect to be paid between £10 to £12 per hour, depending on experience and location. Most positions are physical work, like fruit picking, farm labor, or poultry processing, though some light supervisory or packing roles exist for experienced workers.
These jobs usually require some prior experience in farm or seasonal work, but many companies welcome motivated beginners. Remote work isn’t an option, as these roles require being on-site, immersed in the daily rhythm of farm life, harvests, and hands-on teamwork.
What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa (officially the “Temporary Work Seasonal Worker” route) lets overseas workers aged 18+ come to the UK for up to 6 months to do seasonal jobs in horticulture or poultry production. Sponsorship must come from an approved licence holder, usually a recruitment firm or company licensed by UK Visas and Immigration. (gov.uk)
Key points:
- You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- The visa is valid only for temporary seasonal work (no dependants) (gov.uk)
- There’s an annual quota for 2026, around 41,000 horticulture and 1,900 poultry slots (gov.uk)
Top UK Seasonal Visa Sponsorship Companies:
Here’s a curated list of companies and agencies known to sponsor seasonal worker visas based on recent listings and UK recruitment data:
Agriculture, Horticulture & Farms:
These operate primarily in rural areas and place workers on farms:
- AG Recruitment & Management Ltd – Helps farms find seasonal staff
- Concordia UK Ltd – Ethical non‑profit recruiter in agriculture
- Fruitful Jobs Ltd – Focuses on fruit picking, packing & processing
- Pro‑Force Limited – One of the largest farm work recruiters in the UK
- HOPS Labour Solutions – Long‑standing agricultural recruiter
- RE Recruitment / RE People Ltd – Poultry and farm placements
These agencies often coordinate with multiple farms across the UK, arranging placements and helping with sponsorship paperwork
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK
Benefits:
Here are the key benefits of UK seasonal work visas for 2026:
- Earning Opportunity: Competitive pay ranging from £10 to £12 per hour, with the chance to save for future plans.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills in agriculture, horticulture, and poultry production.
- Visa Sponsorship: Secure a legal work visa through licensed UK sponsors.
- Cultural Exchange: Work alongside people from around the world and experience UK rural life.
- Recurring Opportunities: Reliable performance can lead to invitations for future seasonal roles.
- Personal Growth: Build resilience, teamwork, and independence in a supportive environment.
How to Apply for UK Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship Companies?
- Research sponsor companies: Check the official Home Office sponsor list and target those licensed for seasonal workers
- Prepare your CV: Tailor it to seasonal work (farm experience helps but isn’t always required)
- Apply directly or via agencies: Submit your application via the firm’s careers site or recruitment portal
- Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer issues this once they agree to hire you
- Submit visa application: Apply online through the UK Home Office portal with your CoS and documents
Real Challenges:
Many seasonal visa blogs simply list companies without context. Here’s what they typically miss or gloss over and how to improve:
Shortcoming: Lack of Official Sourcing:
Most lists don’t reference official UK government guidance or quota details
Improvement: Link directly to the Home Office guidance for sponsors and quotas to ensure accuracy (gov.uk)
Shortcoming: No Insight Into Visa Requirements:
Articles often skip eligibility details (age limits, documentation, fees)
Improvement: Add eligibility checklists, fee breakdowns, and common hurdles to prepare readers better
Shortcoming: No Application Timeline:
Seasonal visas are time‑sensitive. Articles that lack seasonal scheduling insights aren’t helpful
Improvement: Add a clear timeline of when to apply and approximate dates for peak recruitment
Pro Tips for Applicants:
- Verify sponsor licence: Just because a company says they sponsor doesn’t mean they currently hold a valid licence. Always check the official UK sponsor list
- Prepare early: Applications often surge in early months before the harvest/poultry season
- Ask about support: Some recruiters assist with accommodation and travel arrangements
Conclusion:
Seasonal work in the UK in 2026 offers hands-on, rewarding opportunities with competitive pay and valuable experience. By choosing a licensed sponsor and preparing your application early, you can secure a role in agriculture or poultry with confidence. Beyond the job itself, it’s a chance to connect, grow, and create lasting memories while contributing to the harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a UK Seasonal Work Visa?
A UK Seasonal Work Visa allows overseas workers to come to the UK for up to 6 months to work in agriculture, horticulture, or poultry production with sponsorship from a licensed employer.
Who can apply for a seasonal worker visa?
Applicants must be 18 or older, have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, and meet the UK Home Office eligibility requirements.
What types of jobs are available?
Most roles are physical on-site jobs like fruit picking, farm labor, poultry processing, and packing. Some supervisory or light packing roles are available for experienced workers.
