The agricultural sector in the United Kingdom is a significant part of the economy, providing opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. With Brexit and changing immigration policies, there is a growing demand for international workers in farming, many of whom can secure jobs with visa sponsorship. In this article, we’ll explore nine available farming jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship.
1. Seasonal Fruit Picker
Seasonal fruit picking is one of the most common roles available in the UK farming sector. This job involves harvesting fruits such as strawberries, apples, and berries during the peak season.
- Average Salary: £9 - £12 per hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Location: Kent, Herefordshire, and Scotland.
- Apply Here: Fruitful Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Harvesting fruits by hand.
- Sorting and packing fruits for shipment.
- Maintaining equipment and following health and safety standards.
2. Dairy Farm Worker
Dairy farm workers are essential for the daily operations of dairy farms, including milking cows, feeding livestock, and maintaining the dairy equipment.
- Average Salary: £20,000 - £26,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa for those with relevant experience.
- Location: South West England, Wales.
- Apply Here: UK Dairy Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Milking cows using automated milking systems.
- Feeding and caring for dairy cattle.
- Cleaning and maintaining dairy equipment.
3. General Farm Worker
General farm workers perform a variety of tasks, from planting crops to caring for animals. This role requires flexibility and the ability to handle different aspects of farm work.
- Average Salary: £19,000 - £23,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa or Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Location: East Anglia, Yorkshire, and the Midlands.
- Apply Here: Total Jobs - Farm Worker
Job Responsibilities:
- Assisting with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
- Caring for livestock.
- Operating and maintaining farm machinery.
4. Horticultural Worker
Horticultural workers are involved in the cultivation of plants, flowers, and trees. This role is vital for the production of ornamental plants and flowers in nurseries and garden centers.
- Average Salary: £18,000 - £22,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Location: South East England, Norfolk.
- Apply Here: Horticulture Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Planting, watering, and pruning plants.
- Monitoring plant health and growth.
- Packaging and preparing plants for sale or distribution.
5. Poultry Farm Worker
Poultry farm workers are responsible for the care and management of poultry, including chickens and turkeys. This role involves feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health of the birds.
- Average Salary: £19,000 - £24,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Location: East Midlands, North Yorkshire.
- Apply Here: Poultry World Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Feeding and caring for poultry.
- Cleaning and maintaining poultry housing.
- Monitoring the health and growth of birds.
6. Farm Mechanic
Farm mechanics maintain and repair farm machinery, ensuring that equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems are in good working order.
- Average Salary: £25,000 - £35,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Location: Across the UK, particularly in large farming regions.
- Apply Here: Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
Job Responsibilities:
- Diagnosing mechanical issues in farm machinery.
- Performing routine maintenance and repairs.
- Ensuring all equipment meets safety standards.
7. Greenhouse Worker
Greenhouse workers are involved in the cultivation of plants in controlled environments. This role includes planting, watering, and harvesting crops such as vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
- Average Salary: £18,000 - £22,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Location: South East England, Norfolk, and West Midlands.
- Apply Here: Glassdoor - Greenhouse Worker Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Managing plant growth in greenhouses.
- Harvesting and packaging produce.
- Monitoring temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
8. Arable Farm Worker
Arable farm workers specialize in the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes. This role involves operating machinery and managing crop production cycles.
- Average Salary: £20,000 - £28,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Location: East Anglia, Lincolnshire.
- Apply Here: Farming UK Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Operating tractors and other machinery for planting and harvesting.
- Managing irrigation systems.
- Monitoring crop health and yields.
9. Sheep Farm Worker
Sheep farm workers are responsible for the care of sheep, including feeding, shearing, and assisting with lambing. This role is especially important in rural areas with large sheep farming operations.
- Average Salary: £19,000 - £24,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Location: Wales, Scotland, and the North of England.
- Apply Here: Farmers Weekly Jobs
Job Responsibilities:
- Feeding and caring for sheep.
- Assisting with lambing and shearing.
- Maintaining fences and grazing areas.
How to Apply for Farming Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Securing a farming job in the UK with visa sponsorship involves several steps:
Update Your Resume: Highlight any relevant farming or agricultural experience, certifications, and skills that make you a suitable candidate.
Research Employers: Use the links provided to explore current job openings. Look for employers that offer visa sponsorship, especially those participating in the Seasonal Worker or Skilled Worker visa programs.
Understand Visa Options: Familiarize yourself with the visa options available, such as the Skilled Worker Visa and the Seasonal Worker Visa, to determine which suits your situation best.
Apply Online: Submit your application through the job portals or directly on the employer’s website. Include a cover letter that emphasizes your interest in working in the UK and your relevant experience.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and why you’re interested in farming in the UK.
Conclusion
The farming industry in the United Kingdom offers a variety of job opportunities for international workers, with many positions available that provide visa sponsorship. Whether you’re interested in seasonal fruit picking, dairy farming, or more specialized roles like farm mechanics or greenhouse work, these jobs offer a pathway to live and work in the UK.
Start your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the UK’s vibrant agricultural sector!