From early September to mid-November, CHANDLER & DUNN LTD is hiring seasonal workers for apple picking and packing in Kent, South East England. This position operates on a piece-rate basis, meaning earnings depend on the quantity of apples picked. However, a minimum wage guarantee is in place.
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Job Overview:
- Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Seasonal)
- Location: Kent, South East England
- Salary: Minimum wage guaranteed; higher earnings possible through piece-rate pay
- Experience Required: None
- Education Requirement: None
- Training Provided: Yes
Responsibilities:
- Hand-picking apples and placing them carefully in containers
- Pruning apple trees and general orchard maintenance
- Removing damaged or overripe fruit
- Loading fruits into containers and ensuring no damage occurs
- Operating farm equipment (if assigned)
- Cleaning and preparing the orchard for harvesting
Job Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, and bend for long hours
- Physically capable of lifting up to 60 lbs (approx. 27 kg)
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Must apply before the application deadline
UK Seasonal Worker Visa & Eligibility:
To work in the UK as a fruit picker, foreign workers must obtain a UK Seasonal Worker Visa under the Temporary Work route. Applicants must:
- Have a valid job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor workers.
- Apply before the visa deadline.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Eligible Nationalities for Visa Sponsorship:
Workers from the following countries are eligible for visa sponsorship:
- Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
- Africa: Sudan
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE
Benefits of Working as an Apple Picker in the UK:
- Legal Work Authorisation: UK visa sponsorship ensures legal employment.
- Higher Earning Potential: Piece-rate pay allows workers to earn more based on productivity.
- Outdoor Work Environment: Enjoy working in natural surroundings instead of an office.
- Cultural Exchange: Work alongside people from different backgrounds.
- Valuable Work Experience: Learn skills useful in agriculture and food production.
- Physical Fitness: The job involves movement, which helps maintain good physical health.
Challenges & Considerations:
While apple-picking jobs offer great opportunities, workers should be aware of the following:
- Weather Conditions: The work is outdoors, meaning employees will face rain, cold, or heat.
- Physical Demands: The job requires long hours of bending, standing, and lifting.
- Accommodation Costs: Some farms offer housing, but others require workers to find their own accommodation.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates should apply directly through CHANDLER & DUNN LTD’s website or contact their hiring team for application details. Be sure to submit required documents and apply before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What is the average pay for fruit pickers in the UK?
As of recent data, fruit pickers in the UK earn an average salary of £23,154 per year (approximately £11.44 per hour), depending on experience and work location.
-
Why is there a shortage of fruit pickers in the UK?
A recent government report highlighted that Brexit and COVID-19-related labor shortages have significantly impacted the UK’s farming sector, making it harder for farmers to find enough workers to harvest crops on time.
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Can you go apple picking in the UK as a visitor?
Yes! Visitors can enjoy pick-your-own fruit farms, such as Broomfield Farm in Meopham, Kent..
