Apple-picking jobs in the UK for Africans — 2025 practical guide

The big picture (why apple picking matters in 2025)

UK apple and pear growers were forecasting a strong 2025 harvest, and growers — especially smaller orchards — still rely on hired labour during the summer and autumn months to harvest fruit efficiently.

At the same time, structural labour shortages after Brexit mean many farms continue to rely on the UK Seasonal Worker visa to bring in reliable pickers for short, intensive seasons.

The government and farming organisations have been working to keep the scheme available and predictable for growers. FreshPlazaGOV.UK

Which visa do you need? (Seasonal Worker visa, short answer)

If you are an African national who wants to come to the UK specifically to pick apples (horticulture), the most direct route in 2025 is the Seasonal Worker (Temporary Work) visa.

This visa allows people to come to the UK to work in horticulture — including fruit picking — for up to six months in a 12-month period.

To apply you must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (an employer or an approved labour provider) and meet the other eligibility requirements set out by GOV.UK.

Key practical points about the visa

You need a sponsor before you apply — you generally cannot arrive without one.
Horticulture visas are valid for up to six months and can be applied for up to three months before your start date.
The quota system and scheme rules have been actively reviewed and adjusted in 2024–2025 to meet demand (see section on quotas below).

How many seasonal places are available in 2025?

Quotas can shift year by year. For 2025 official and industry reporting pointed to tens of thousands of horticulture places: public reporting during 2024–2025 referenced schemes of roughly 43,000–45,000 horticulture visas (plus a smaller pool for poultry) with flexibility depending on demand and ministerial decisions.

The NFU and government documents have tracked and lobbied for these numbers as the industry plans staffing for harvests. Always confirm the exact quota for the planned season on GOV.UK or through your sponsor before making travel arrangements.

Pay, deductions and the law (what to expect on the payslip)

From 1 April 2025 the UK National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage rates changed; the headline figure for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour (other age bands are lower). Seasonal workers are entitled to at least the appropriate minimum wage for their age, paid for actual hours worked.

Employers may provide accommodation and sometimes deduct agreed, lawful accommodation charges (the government sets an accommodation offset), but unlawful deductions or pay below the statutory rate are illegal.

What to watch for

Check whether advertised pay is hourly or “piece-rate.” Piece-rate (pay per kilo or tray picked) is legal, but you must still receive at least the minimum wage when averaged over hours worked.
Ask for sample payslips and a written contract in a language you understand before you sign anything.

Worker rights and protections

Seasonal workers in the UK have several key rights: to be paid at least the minimum wage, to receive statutory holiday entitlement (pro-rata), to rest breaks, and certain protections against discrimination and unsafe working conditions.

There has been active political and legal attention on seasonal worker rights and employer obligations in recent years, and some sectors saw protests and investigations into poor practice — so exercising caution and knowing your rights is important.

If you believe you are being underpaid or exploited you can consult Citizens Advice, a trade union, or (for immediate legal questions) an employment solicitor.

How to find legitimate apple-picking jobs from Africa

A. Directly through farmers and labour providers

Some UK farms advertise seasonal vacancies directly on their websites (look for “seasonal work”, “harvest work”, “fruit pickers”) and may also work through licensed labour providers that hold sponsorship licences.

Examples of UK farm groups and recruiters that advertise seasonal roles include farm websites and specialised agricultural recruitment agencies. Always check the employer is a licensed sponsor in the Home Office register before applying.

B. Established recruitment agencies and charities

There are reputable UK agencies and charities that run seasonal work schemes, offer placement support and sometimes help overseas applicants with pre-departure information.

These can be helpful because they understand visa sponsorship procedures. Confirm any recruitment fee policy — reputable sponsors generally do not require workers to pay large upfront fees to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship; fraudulent intermediaries sometimes do.

C. Avoid using social media alone

Facebook groups or WhatsApp chains often circulate “job offers” — these are a major source of scams. Use official channels (GOV.UK sponsor lists, farm/agency websites, established NGOs) where possible and verify the sponsor name yourself on the UK Home Office register.

Documents, TB tests and medical checks

When you apply for the Seasonal Worker visa you must provide standard identity documents and meet the visa health and character requirements. Depending on your country of residence and length of stay, you might be asked to show TB test results from a Home Office-approved clinic.

You’ll also need police clearance certificates if required by the visa rules and proof of your sponsorship certificate/date. Check the GOV.UK checklist for your specific country.

Practical timeline (example)

3–4 months before harvest: Start searching for sponsors/agencies and confirm whether they will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Up to 3 months before start date: You can submit the Seasonal Worker visa application (you cannot usually apply earlier).
2–4 weeks before travel: Finalise travel, accommodation arrangements, and ensure you have the contact details of the employer and the sponsor licence number.
On arrival: Carry your passport, visa letter, contract, and sponsored employer contact. Keep copies stored online (email/cloud) in case something is lost.

Accommodation, transport and living costs

Some employers provide accommodation (sometimes on-site). Accommodation can be deducted from wages, but there are legal limits and rules about the amount that can be charged; check the accommodation offset and what it means for your net pay.

Living costs (food, transport, phone top-ups) vary by region: rural areas tend to have lower rent but fewer free services. Always get a written agreement on accommodation costs and deposit rules.

Red flags & how to avoid scams

Demand for big upfront fees to secure a job or Certificate of Sponsorship — legitimate sponsors should not require large payments from prospective workers.
No written contract or payslips — insist on seeing both.
Sponsor not on the Home Office register — check the official sponsor list on GOV.UK.
Vague employer details — get full business name, address, and contact details. If possible, find independent reviews or testimonials from previous workers.
Living conditions or transport arranged by the employer seem unsafe — ask for photos and details, and, if in doubt, consult an advocacy group.

Cultural and workplace tips for success

Apple picking is physically demanding and weather-dependent. Bring sturdy boots, layered waterproof clothing, sunscreen and gloves.
Learn basic English phrases used on farms (safety calls, weighing, packing instructions) — it helps with speed and safety.
Be punctual, ask questions when unsure about targets or pay systems, and keep a copy of any instructions or targets in writing.
If you are on piece-rate, ask for a pay check after your first shift to confirm calculations.

After the season: can you extend or return next year?

Seasonal Worker visas are designed for short stays (up to six months) and are not a direct route to settlement. However, many workers return in subsequent years if the sponsor re-offers work and the scheme rules allow returning seasons.

Employers often prefer returning pickers because of experience. Confirm re-hire procedures with your sponsor at the end of your contract. Policy on multiple seasons and pay for returning workers can change, so verify the current rules each year.

Where to get help and who to trust

GOV.UK — official visa rules and sponsor guidance (always your primary source for eligibility and application steps).
National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and industry bodies — for context on labour demand and seasonal scheme changes.
Reputable agencies that specialise in agricultural recruitment — check reviews and avoid those asking for high upfront fees.
Citizens Advice / trade unions — for workplace rights advice if you have a dispute.

Final checklist for African applicants (must-do items)

Confirm the employer is a licensed sponsor (ask for the sponsor licence number and verify on GOV.UK) Get a written contract and a sample payslip showing how you will be paid.
Verify if accommodation is provided and get the exact charge in writing (compare with the government accommodation offset guidance).
Prepare documents early: passport, TB test (if required), police certificate (if required), and funds for visa fees and travel.
Keep emergency contact numbers and the address of your sponsor with you at all times.

Conclusion

Apple-picking in the UK can be a good seasonal earning opportunity for African applicants in 2025, provided you approach the process informed and cautious. The Seasonal Worker visa offers a lawful route for horticulture work for up to six months, and the industry is planning significant seasonal intake for 2025.

However, there are real risks from bad employers and rogue recruiters, so verify sponsors, insist on written terms, and know your rights. Use official GOV.UK guidance for visa steps, check wage rates, and consult industry bodies and reputable agencies if you need placement assistance.