Are you dreaming of working in the UK for a season or two? You’re not alone! The UK’s seasonal work program offers fantastic opportunities for international workers to experience British culture while earning a competitive wage.
With 2025 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about UK seasonal work visa sponsorship companies in 2025.
What is a Seasonal Worker Visa?
The UK’s Seasonal Worker Visa allows you to come to the UK for up to 6 months to work in specific sectors. It’s designed to help British businesses fill temporary labor shortages during peak seasons. Think fruit picking in summer, Christmas retail rush, or festival staff during the events season.
The beauty of this visa is its simplicity – you don’t need to jump through as many hoops as permanent work visas require. You just need a job offer from an approved UK employer who’s willing to sponsor your visa.
Recent Changes to UK’s Seasonal Work Program
The UK government has expanded the seasonal worker scheme for 2025, increasing the quota to 45,000 visas, up from 38,000 in 2024. This growth reflects the continued demand for temporary workers in key sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and food processing.
What’s new for 2025? The scheme now includes more sectors than ever before. While agriculture still takes the lion’s share, hospitality and food processing industries have received larger allocations to address critical staffing challenges.
Top UK Companies Offering Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship
1. Agricultural Sector Sponsors
Agriculture remains the backbone of the UK’s seasonal work program. Leading sponsors include:
- Concordia UK
- Fruitful Jobs
- HOPS Labour Solutions
- AG Recruitment
- Pro-Force
- Staffline Agriculture
These companies have established reputations for supporting international workers and maintaining strong compliance records with UK immigration authorities.
2. Hospitality Industry Sponsors
With tourism booming, hospitality sponsors are in high demand:
- Compass Group UK
- Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Greene King
- The Restaurant Group
These hospitality giants offer positions across the UK, from buzzing London hotels to charming countryside pubs.
3. Food Processing Sponsors
Food processing offers stable indoor work options:
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Cranswick
- Moy Park
- Greencore
- Bakkavor
These facilities run year-round but have seasonal peaks requiring additional staff.
Available Seasonal Job Positions and Salary Ranges
Job Position | Salary Range (Weekly) |
---|---|
Fruit Picker | £350-£550 |
Vegetable Harvester | £350-£525 |
Packing Line Worker | £375-£500 |
Warehouse Operative | £400-£600 |
Hotel Room Attendant | £375-£500 |
Kitchen Assistant | £400-£550 |
Food Processing Operative | £400-£550 |
Festival Staff | £400-£700 |
Holiday Resort Worker | £400-£600 |
Farm General Worker | £375-£525 |
Work Responsibilities for Seasonal Workers
Agricultural Roles
Working in UK agriculture involves:
- Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and other crops according to specific guidelines
- Operating basic farm machinery and equipment
- Sorting and grading produce based on quality standards
- Loading harvested crops onto transportation vehicles
- Maintaining field cleanliness and following food safety protocols
- Working in various weather conditions with physical stamina
- Meeting daily productivity targets
- Following sustainability and environmental practices
Hospitality Duties
Hospitality roles typically require:
- Providing excellent customer service to guests from diverse backgrounds
- Preparing rooms, serving food and beverages, or assisting in kitchens
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Processing payments and handling basic administrative tasks
- Working flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Supporting event setup and breakdown
- Working efficiently in fast-paced environments
- Collaborating with multicultural teams
Food Processing Tasks
In food processing facilities, you’ll be:
- Operating production line equipment
- Following strict food safety and hygiene protocols
- Packaging finished products according to specifications
- Conducting quality control checks
- Maintaining clean work areas
- Recording production data
- Following health and safety procedures
- Working in temperature-controlled environments
Eligibility Criteria for UK Seasonal Work Visa
Wondering if you qualify? Here’s what you need:
Age Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old on the date of application
- There is no upper age limit, though some physical roles may have practical limitations
Nationality Considerations
- Open to nationals from most countries worldwide
- Citizens from certain countries may face additional security checks
- No prior UK immigration violations
Experience and Qualification Needs
- Previous experience in the relevant sector is preferred but not always mandatory
- Basic English communication skills
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions
- Some roles may require specific certifications (food safety, forklift operation)
Financial Requirements
- Proof of having enough money to support yourself (typically £1,270)
- Ability to pay the visa application fee (approximately £259 for 2025)
- Health surcharge payment if applicable
Benefits of Seasonal Work in the UK
Financial Advantages
Working seasonally in the UK comes with some great perks:
- Competitive wages often above local minimum wage
- Accommodation sometimes provided or subsidized
- Potential for overtime and bonus earnings during peak periods
- Opportunity to save significant amounts with low living expenses
- No UK income tax payable if you earn under the personal allowance threshold
- Valuable international work experience for your CV
- Ability to send remittances home at favorable exchange rates
Career Development Opportunities
Beyond the paycheck, you’ll gain:
- Exposure to UK work practices and standards
- Improvement of English language skills in a professional environment
- Development of transferable skills valued globally
- Building an international network of contacts
- Possible pathways to return in subsequent seasons with the same employer
- Enhanced problem-solving and adaptability skills
- Cultural exchange experiences that broaden perspectives
Types of Seasonal Positions Available in 2025
Short-term Roles (Under 3 Months)
Perfect if you want a quick UK experience:
- Summer festival staff (June-August)
- Christmas retail assistants (November-January)
- Peak harvest workers for specific crops
- Tourism high-season staff at attractions
- Event catering and hospitality teams
Medium-term Positions (3-6 Months)
For those wanting a longer UK stay:
- Full growing season agricultural workers
- Summer resort season staff (April-September)
- Food processing operatives during production peaks
- Packhouse workers for multiple harvests
- Hospitality roles in tourist areas during extended seasons
Detailed Salary Information by Position
Regional Salary Variations
Your earning potential varies significantly depending on location:
Fruit pickers in Kent can earn £400-550 weekly during peak season, while the same role in Scotland might offer £350-500.
London-based hospitality positions typically offer 10-15% higher wages than equivalent roles in other regions to offset the higher cost of living.
Experience-Based Pay Scales
Many employers reward experience and productivity:
First-time agricultural workers often start at base rates (£10.42-£11.44/hour) but can progress to £13-15/hour with demonstrated efficiency. Returning workers frequently receive loyalty bonuses of £0.50-1.00/hour on top of base pay.
Food processing operatives with relevant experience can command starting rates of £11-13/hour, while newcomers begin at the national minimum wage.
Application Process for Seasonal Work Visa
Finding a Sponsor
The first crucial step is securing a position with a licensed sponsor:
- Research companies from our list that match your skills and experience
- Visit their websites for current vacancies or application portals
- Submit applications directly or through their recommended recruitment partners
- Prepare for video interviews, which are now standard practice
- Once offered a position, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
Visa Application Steps
With your job offer secured:
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
- Create an account on the UK government visa application website
- Complete the online Seasonal Worker Visa application form
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge if applicable
- Book and attend a biometric appointment at your local visa application center
- Submit supporting documents as requested
- Wait for a decision (typically 3-4 weeks)
Required Documentation
Prepare these essential documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of funds (bank statements showing at least £1,270)
- Tuberculosis test results (if from certain countries)
- Evidence of qualifications or experience if requested
- Accommodation details in the UK
How to Apply for Seasonal Work
If you meet the specified criteria and are enthusiastic about this opportunity, please submit your application, including a CV and cover letter, by clicking the button below.
Related jobs:
- Hotel Jobs in London with Visa Sponsorship 2025
- Airport Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025 (£45,000-£80,000/Year)
- Urgent! Kitchen Assistant Jobs in UK, Visa Sponsorship [£22,200-£35,000/Year]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I extend my Seasonal Worker Visa beyond 6 months?
No, the Seasonal Worker Visa is strictly limited to a maximum of 6 months. You must leave the UK when your visa expires. However, you can apply for a new seasonal visa in future years with no mandatory cooling-off period between applications.
2. Do I need to speak fluent English to qualify?
Not necessarily. While basic English communication skills are helpful, many roles primarily require physical abilities and willingness to learn. Some companies offer basic language support, and you’ll often work alongside people who speak your native language.
3. Will my accommodation be provided by the employer?
Many agricultural employers provide on-site accommodation for a weekly charge (typically £50-£90 per week deducted from wages). Hospitality positions sometimes include staff accommodation, but this varies by employer. Always confirm accommodation arrangements before accepting any position.
4. Can I switch to another employer once I’m in the UK on a Seasonal Worker Visa?
Generally no. Your visa is tied to the specific sponsor who issued your Certificate of Sponsorship. In exceptional circumstances like company closure, arrangements might be made, but this is rare and complex.
5. Will Brexit affect my chances of getting a Seasonal Worker Visa for 2025?
Brexit has actually increased opportunities for non-EU workers, as positions previously filled by EU citizens under freedom of movement now require formal visa sponsorship for all international workers. This has led to expanded quotas and more diverse hiring from around the world.