Your complete guide to legal seasonal work in the UK's horticultural sector through the official Seasonal Worker Scheme.
Opportunities in 2025
45,000 Visa Placements
The Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) was introduced in 2019 as a pilot programme and has since been expanded. It enables British farmers to recruit workers from abroad via licensed scheme operators. As of 2025, there are six operators managing the scheme, including a specific provision for Poultry visas.
Under this scheme, operators act as sponsors within the immigration framework (Tier 5), facilitating the supply of workers to the edible and ornamental horticultural sector.
Richo Recruitment is an authorized representative working closely with approved SWS operators, helping qualified candidates connect with seasonal job opportunities in the UK's horticultural sector.
The SWS offers a legal and regulated pathway for international workers to gain valuable experience in the UK while earning competitive wages in a safe environment.
The scheme allows workers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, with the requirement of a 6-month break between visas. This structure supports the seasonal nature of agricultural work.
According to the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the SWS supports a wide range of horticultural activities.
Most seasonal work is in the fruit sector (55%) and the vegetable/salad sector (25%)
Most work is manual and unskilled. No experience is necessary, and training is provided. There are a limited number of driving roles available (e.g., forklift, tractor roles), which require an appropriate licence.
Understanding the SWS visa requirements and limitations is essential before applying.
The SWS visa is valid for a maximum period of 6 months.
Workers can only be in the UK on this visa once in 12 months.
There must be a clear break of 6 months between visas.
The visa dates (not your departure date) determine when you can return.
While SWS visas are valid for 6 months, this does not guarantee 6 months of employment. The exact duration of work depends on the farm's needs, crop conditions, and various other factors. Most participants are employed for 3-6 months with an average of 4-5 months being common in the industry.
The application process through Richo Recruitment is straightforward and designed to ensure you have all the support you need.
Richo Recruitment restricts its recruitment to a small number of countries to ensure appropriate processes and safeguards. This careful approach allows them to maintain oversight and control over the selection and onboarding of suitable candidates.
Neither Richo Recruitment, their local representatives, nor their government partners will ever ask applicants to pay any money to secure a place on the SWS, aside from the legitimate costs listed below.
| Expense Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| UK Visa Application Fee | £319 |
| VFS Global Service Fee (biometric appointment) | Up to £80 |
| Return Flight Tickets to the UK | Up to £800 |
| Medical and Repatriation Insurance | Varies |
| Initial Living Expenses | £150-£200 |
| Uzbek Government Fee (Uzbek candidates only) | Approximately £110 |
Understanding and following the UK's immigration rules is essential for a successful SWS experience.
To participate in the SWS, applicants must obtain a Seasonal Worker visa sponsored by Richo Recruitment. All workers must adhere to the following rules:
Richo Recruitment reserves the right to withdraw visa sponsorship, in which case the worker must leave the country as soon as possible.
Understanding what to expect in terms of working hours, pay, accommodation, and other conditions.
Working hours depend on various factors including farm needs, weather conditions, and the time of year. Hours may fluctuate, but all workers in an authorised placement are guaranteed to receive a minimum of 32 hours' pay per week, even if they have worked fewer hours.
Accommodation typically includes furniture, household appliances, and kitchenware. You'll usually share with 4-6 people in mobile homes or 2-6 people in hostel rooms.
You will be paid for holiday you have accrued only. Your maximum entitlement to paid holiday is 5.6 weeks per year. Requested time off must be authorised by your manager or supervisor to fit around work requirements.
For a 6-month placement, this typically equates to approximately 2.8 weeks of paid holiday, which can either be taken during your stay or paid to you at the end of your placement.
Understanding your rights as a worker in the UK is essential for a positive experience.
You are entitled to work in environments where risks to your health and safety are properly controlled. It is your employer's responsibility to ensure this, and your responsibility to follow the Health and Safety rules set out by your employer.
Richo Recruitment only collects personal data to provide recruitment services. All information is held securely, and you have rights regarding your personal data including access, correction, transfer, and deletion.
If you have any concerns about your rights or protections while working in the UK, our team is here to help. You can also access official UK government resources for more information.
Understanding the process for changing farms and returning for future seasons.
If you wish to transfer to a different farm:
Transfer requests are not guaranteed and depend on various factors including worker performance, reason for transfer, and availability of positions at other farms.
As a participant of the Seasonal Worker Scheme, you may be invited back in future years:
The best way to increase your chances of being invited back is to maintain good attendance, consistently high productivity, and a positive attitude throughout your placement.
Essential information to be aware of before applying to the Seasonal Worker Scheme.
Be wary of individuals or pseudo-agencies claiming to cooperate with Richo Recruitment in preparing documents or visa applications for fees. Always verify with us directly before paying money to anyone claiming to represent us.
For questions or concerns about the Seasonal Worker Scheme, feel free to contact us:
Apply through Richo Recruitment today for legal, well-paid seasonal work opportunities in the UK's horticultural sector. Our team will guide you through every step of the process.
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