Seasonal Farm Worker jobs in the United Kingdom
Seasonal farm work supports harvesting, grading and packing. Expect physical work, variable weather (field roles), and production targets.
Typical gross hourly pay
£12.71–£15.00+ / hour (role & site dependent)
Where you work
Field, greenhouse, or packhouse (varies)
Season pattern
Spring–autumn peaks; contract dates vary
Accommodation
Sometimes available with deductions
CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must have the right to work in the UK, or apply for roles where sponsorship may be possible (depends on employer and role).
Short candidate portrait (who gets hired and kept)
- Reliable routine: on time, predictable attendance, stable pace over long shifts.
- Quality discipline: you can follow grading rules and avoid product damage.
- Physical stamina: standing, bending, repetitive motion, lifting within safe limits.
- Hygiene mindset: clean hands/clothes, correct PPE, no shortcuts in packhouse rules.
- Team behaviour: calm communication, respect for supervisors and line leads.
- Basic English: enough for safety briefings and instructions.
- Flexibility: you can switch tasks when the crop/line changes.
- Documentation: you can present an English CV and follow onboarding steps.
CV tip: list the exact tasks you can do (picking, packing, grading, labelling, trolley work, greenhouse tasks) and the shift pattern you can accept (days/nights/weekends).
Typical responsibilities (field)
- Harvest crops carefully to reduce waste and damage.
- Follow picking standards (size, colour, defects) and container rules.
- Move produce safely (boxes/trays) and keep rows/areas tidy.
- Work in changing weather and maintain safe pace.
- Report issues early (quality problems, hazards, missing materials).
Typical responsibilities (packhouse)
- Sort, grade and pack produce to specification.
- Label correctly; follow hygiene rules and process checks.
- Keep pace with the line while maintaining quality.
- Handle product gently; reduce damage and contamination risk.
- Maintain tidy workstations and follow supervisor instructions.
What MaViAl provides
- Role matching based on your CV, availability, and preferred work type (field/packhouse).
- Clear CV-first screening and practical onboarding guidance.
- Support communication through the application steps.
Next step: submit your CV, then we screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements.
A realistic “seasonal diary” (unique to this job)
Seasonal work is rarely identical week to week. Weather, crop timing and customer demand change tasks quickly.
Week 1–2: onboarding & pace
- Learn quality rules and line/field routines.
- Find a sustainable pace that does not damage produce.
- Understand shift timing, break rules, and transport to site.
Mid-season: stability matters
- Targets increase; consistency becomes the key KPI.
- Task rotation becomes common (field ↔ packhouse).
- Overtime or weekend shifts may be offered.
Requirements (detailed)
- CV in English: mandatory (tasks you can do + availability dates).
- Physical readiness: long shifts, repetitive work, standing/bending, outdoor work for field roles.
- Quality awareness: careful handling, sorting rules, accuracy with labels/specs.
- Hygiene & safety: follow PPE/hygiene rules; report hazards early.
- English communication: basic level for instructions and safety briefings.
- Legal work status: right to work in the UK, or eligibility for a route where sponsorship may be possible.
What employers often check (practical)
- Attendance pattern: can you keep the schedule for the whole contract?
- Speed vs quality: can you work fast without damaging produce?
- Rule-following: hygiene, exclusion areas, line safety, correct handling.
- Task switching: can you rotate between packing, grading, and basic logistics?
- Accommodation readiness: if provided, can you accept shared living rules?
Documents to prepare
- English CV (role tasks + dates + shift preferences).
- Availability window and preferred location(s) in the UK.
- Any relevant experience (farm, warehouse, production line, hygiene-controlled environments).
Good signal: “I can do field work in rain/cold and packhouse work on production line; available for weekends; start date X.”
How to write a Seasonal Farm Worker CV that converts
- Headline: “Seasonal Farm Worker (Field + Packhouse)” (example).
- Core tasks: picking/harvesting, grading, packing, labelling, cleaning stations.
- Constraints: confirm if you can do outdoor work and early starts.
- Shift flexibility: days/nights/weekends (be specific).
- Quality language: mention “reduce damage”, “follow specs”, “hygiene rules”.
- Availability: exact dates you can work in the UK.
Pay (gross / brutto) and UK work rules
All figures below are gross and indicative. Final rates, deductions (if accommodation is offered), and pay cycles are confirmed by the employer per site/contract.
| Work type | Typical gross hourly pay | What changes the rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry seasonal worker (general) | £12.71–£13.50 / hour | Age band, site pay policy, season peak demand, shift pattern. |
| Experienced picker / reliable packhouse worker | £13.50–£15.00 / hour | Speed + quality consistency, task rotation, line responsibility. |
| High-demand / peak shifts (site-specific) | £15.00+ / hour (sometimes) | Overtime policy, weekends, nights, specialist tasks. |
Breaks & weekly hours (baseline)
- Many farms run long shifts during peak harvest; breaks are usually scheduled.
- Over-18 workers typically have a 48-hour average weekly limit unless an opt-out is signed.
- Rest breaks and daily rest apply; contracts may vary but must stay compliant.
Holiday baseline
- Statutory annual leave is commonly stated as 5.6 weeks (pro-rated to your work pattern).
- For short seasonal contracts, holiday pay may be calculated proportionally.
Accommodation (when provided)
- Some farms provide shared accommodation; rent and utilities may be deducted from wages.
- Confirm: weekly cost, what is included, deposit rules, and transport to work.
- Ask for a clear payslip breakdown (hours, rate, deductions).
Important pay note: if a site uses performance or output-based pay, your contract should still ensure you receive at least the applicable minimum wage for hours worked (or a compliant fair rate system).
How to apply (CV-first process)
1) Build or upload your CV
State field/packhouse preference, availability dates, and shift flexibility. No CV = no screening.
2) Matching & eligibility check
We compare your profile to current UK demand and the employer’s contract conditions (role type, location, accommodation options).
Note: sponsorship is employer-dependent and never guaranteed.
3) Employer confirmation
If shortlisted, you may have a short call and practical checks (availability, attitude to physical work, shift readiness). Final rate and deductions are confirmed per project.
Fast-track advice: If you can accept weekend shifts and shared accommodation rules, write it clearly in your CV—this often increases matching speed.
Related roles in Agriculture
- Fruit Picker (Entry, Low sponsorship)
- Packhouse Operative (Entry, Low sponsorship)
FAQ (Seasonal Farm Worker jobs UK)
What gross pay can I expect?
Many seasonal roles pay at or above the National Living Wage. Typical advertised rates often sit around £12.71–£15.00+ gross per hour, depending on site and season. Final pay is confirmed by the employer per contract.
Is accommodation provided?
Some farms provide shared accommodation. It usually comes with deductions (rent/utilities). Always confirm weekly cost, what is included, deposit rules, and transport to the worksite.
Do I need experience?
Many roles are entry-level. What matters most is reliability, stamina, quality awareness, and the ability to follow hygiene and safety rules consistently.
Is English required?
Basic English is typically required for instructions and safety briefings. An English CV is mandatory to be screened.
Can I be paid by output (piece rate)?
Some sites use performance bonuses or output measures. Your pay structure must still remain compliant and transparent. If anything is unclear, request a payslip breakdown of hours, rates, and deductions.
What causes rejection most often?
Common reasons: no CV, unclear availability dates, unwillingness to do physical outdoor work, or a mismatch between stated preferences and site needs (e.g., refusing weekends during peak harvest).
What should I write in my CV for faster matching?
Write your availability dates, field/packhouse preference, shift flexibility, and any similar experience (warehouse, production line, cleaning, hospitality—anything showing discipline and pace).
Ready to apply? Build or upload your English CV, then MaViAl can match you to current UK seasonal farm demand.