Apple Picking and Packing Jobs in England 2026 – Apply Now

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.

Check Also: Vegetable Packer Farm Jobs in England – Visa Sponsorship

Key Points:

  • 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:

  1. Have a valid job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor workers.
  2. Apply before the visa deadline.
  3. Be at least 18 years old.
  4. 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 Job:

  • Accessible Entry-Level Work Without a Degree: These positions are suitable for students, travelers, or first-time workers, as they do not necessitate formal education or specialized abilities.
  • Numerous Opportunities Are Guaranteed by Seasonal Demand: Temporary laborers are in high demand throughout England’s orchards and farms during the apple harvest season, which typically spans from August to October.
  • Legal Employment with a Seasonal Worker Visa: The UK Seasonal Worker Visa scheme enables foreign applicants to work legally for a maximum of six months.
  • Consistent Weekly Wages and Overtime Availability: Workers are typically compensated hourly or per shipment, with the potential to earn additional income through bonus incentives and overtime.
  • Free or Low-Cost On-Site Accommodation: Numerous employers provide free or subsidized housing in close proximity to the farm, which frequently includes communal areas, shared kitchens, and utilities.
  • Apple picking is a physically active job in the fresh air, making it an ideal choice for individuals who appreciate nature and prefer to work in open spaces rather than confined interior spaces.
  • No prior experience is required; training is provided. Farms typically offer brief training sessions on the proper methods for picking and handling produce, allowing you to begin earning immediately.
  • Possibility of Employment in the United Kingdom Countryside: The majority of apple plantations are located in picturesque rural regions such as Kent, Herefordshire, and Somerset, providing employees with a distinctive cultural experience and a tranquil environment.
  • Multicultural and Friendly Work Environment: You will frequently collaborate with individuals from a variety of countries, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
  • Eligibility for National Minimum Wage or Above: Workers are compensated at a minimum of the legal minimum wage in the United Kingdom, and in certain instances, they may receive a higher wage based on their productivity or hours worked.
  • Opportunity to Develop Soft Skills and Teamwork: These positions facilitate the acquisition of critical skills, including communication, endurance, and time management, that are advantageous for future employment.
  • Annual Return: Those who are dependable may be invited to return each season, providing recurring job security for those who are seeking short-term employment annually.
  • Some employers provide: free transportation from their accommodations to the fields on a daily basis, which alleviates the inconvenience of commuting.
  • Work-Life Balance with Defined Shifts: Apple harvesting jobs typically adhere to structured schedules, such as eight-hour shifts, which enable you to relax and explore during your leisure time.
  • A gateway to other agricultural or packing jobs in the United Kingdom: Opportunities for fruit packing, greenhouse labor, or other farm-related positions may arise as a result of apple picking experience in various regions of the country.

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 for Apple Picking and Packing Jobs in England?

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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..

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