Fruitful Jobs — reviews, conditions, salary 2026
About the operator
Fruitful Jobs Ltd (company number 06955481) was registered on 7 July 2009. The office is located at: The Smithy Workshop, Harewood End Farm, Harewood End, Herefordshire, HR2 8JT. GLAA licence: FRUI0003 (Active).
The operator arranges about 2,000 jobs per year, although in 2024 it issued 7,591 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). In February 2023 the operator's licence was suspended, but in May 2023 it was reinstated with a B rating.
Fruitful Jobs is one of the oldest operators taking part in the UK Seasonal Worker scheme. The company started its activity long before Brexit, when the main flow of workers came from EU countries. After the UK left the EU and migration rules changed, the company adapted to the new conditions, but kept its traditional ties with European countries and expanded its recruitment geography to South Africa. It is important to note that unlike many other operators, Fruitful Jobs does not actively recruit in Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. This makes their profile unique among current scheme participants.
The company's activity is strictly regulated by UK government bodies, including the Home Office and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Having an active GLAA licence is a mandatory condition for legally operating as a Seasonal Worker operator. In 2023 the company faced certain difficulties when its licence was temporarily suspended in February. However, after the necessary checks were carried out and the identified shortcomings were corrected, the licence was reinstated in May of the same year with a B rating. This event highlights the strictness of control over workers' rights and service standards within the scheme.
In 2024 the company demonstrated significant volumes of work, issuing 7,591 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). These certificates are a key document for obtaining a Seasonal Worker visa. Despite the large number of issued certificates, the actual number of jobs arranged is estimated at about 2,000 per year. This may be due to various factors, including seasonal fluctuations in labour demand, visa refusals or changes in the workers' own plans.
The company's office is located in the picturesque county of Herefordshire, which has traditionally been famous for its agriculture, in particular apple and hop growing. This location allows the operator to be in close proximity to many of the farms it works with. This contributes to more efficient interaction with employers and prompt resolution of issues on the ground.
Overall, Fruitful Jobs is an experienced player in the UK seasonal labour market, with established processes and a specific recruitment geography. Their history of ups and downs, including the temporary licence suspension, serves as a reminder of the complexity and high responsibility associated with organising international labour migration.
Who it suits
Fruitful Jobs recruits workers mainly from EU countries (a legacy from before Brexit) and South Africa. The operator does not recruit citizens from Central Asian countries.
If you have any medical conditions, discuss with a doctor the possibility of doing heavy physical work before applying.
The UK Seasonal Worker scheme, and in particular the vacancies offered by Fruitful Jobs, are suitable for people who are ready for intensive physical work outdoors or in greenhouses. Farm work requires good physical stamina, the ability to perform repetitive tasks for long periods and a willingness to work in various weather conditions. British weather is known for being changeable, so workers often have to work both under the blazing sun and in pouring rain.
An important aspect is age restrictions. According to the rules of the Seasonal Worker scheme, applicants must be over 18. There is no formal upper age limit, but candidates must realistically assess their physical abilities. Harvest work often involves constant bending, lifting heavy loads and spending a lot of time on your feet. Therefore, people with chronic musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or other serious health problems should carefully weigh all the risks. As already mentioned, if you have any medical conditions, be sure to discuss with a doctor the possibility of doing heavy physical work before applying.
In addition, farm work requires a certain psychological resilience. Workers often live far from large cities, in rural areas where access to entertainment and familiar urban amenities may be limited. Living in caravans together with other workers requires the ability to get along with people of different nationalities and cultures, as well as a willingness to compromise on everyday matters. For many this becomes an excellent intercultural experience, but for some it can be a stressful factor.
As for language skills, knowledge of English is not a strict requirement for obtaining a Seasonal Worker visa. However, a basic command of English makes life on the farm much easier, helps in communicating with supervisors and managers, and allows you to better understand safety instructions. Fruitful Jobs uses the Just Good Work app, which is available in several languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Polish and Romanian. This app provides important information about workers' rights, working and living conditions in the UK, making the adaptation process more comfortable for those who do not have perfect English.
In conclusion, working through Fruitful Jobs is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking for a legal way to earn money in the UK, are ready for physical work and meet the operator's recruitment geography criteria. It is a chance not only to improve your financial situation, but also to gain a unique life experience, get to know British culture and make new friends from different countries.
Farms and crops
Workers are sent to farms specialising in the following crops:
- Apples
- Soft fruit (strawberries, raspberries)
- Hops
- Vegetables
- Viticulture
The specifics of the work largely depend on the type of crop the farm specialises in. Fruitful Jobs works with a wide range of agricultural enterprises, ensuring a variety of available vacancies. Let's look in more detail at the main areas of work.
Apple picking is one of the traditional agricultural jobs in the UK, especially in regions such as Herefordshire and Kent. The apple picking season usually starts at the end of summer and continues until late autumn. The work involves carefully picking fruit from trees, sorting by size and quality, and placing them in special containers. This work requires care so as not to damage the fruit, as their appearance affects the market value. Workers often have to use ladders or special platforms to reach the upper branches of trees.
Soft fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) is perhaps the most common category of crops within the Seasonal Worker scheme. Growing berries in the UK often takes place in special tunnels or greenhouses, which allows extending the harvest season and protecting plants from adverse weather conditions. Berry picking is painstaking work that requires attention to detail and speed. Berries are very fragile, so they must be picked carefully, immediately placing them in consumer containers (punnets). The work is often paid on a piece-rate basis, which means that earnings directly depend on the amount of crop picked. This motivates workers to work faster, but it is important not to lose quality.
Hops is a specific crop whose cultivation is historically associated with certain regions of the UK, including Herefordshire, where Fruitful Jobs is based. Hop picking is a process that is largely mechanised nowadays, but manual labour is still required at various stages, such as plant care during the growing period, pruning and assistance with machine harvesting. Working with hops can be physically demanding and requires the use of protective clothing, as the plants can cause skin irritation.
Vegetables — this category includes a wide range of crops, from root vegetables (carrots, potatoes) to cabbage, lettuce and broccoli. Work on vegetable farms can vary greatly depending on the specific crop. For example, harvesting cabbage or broccoli requires the use of special knives and physical strength to carry heavy boxes. Lettuce harvesting often takes place in field conditions and requires fast and careful work. Vegetable work often lasts longer than the soft fruit season and can extend into late autumn and even early winter.
Viticulture is a relatively new but rapidly developing area of UK agriculture. Climate change has made it possible to grow grapes for wine production in the southern regions of the country. Work in vineyards includes vine care throughout the year (pruning, tying) and, of course, harvesting in autumn. Grape harvesting is a team effort that requires care and stamina. This area attracts many workers with its aesthetics and the opportunity to be part of the winemaking process.
It is important to understand that allocation to a specific farm and crop depends on the needs of employers at a given time. Workers cannot always choose which crop they will work with, so flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills are important qualities for successful participation in the scheme.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the operator's official portal, which is available in English. The Just Good Work app is also used, available in English, Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Polish and Romanian.
To work in the UK you need to obtain a Seasonal Worker visa. The visa cost is £340. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not charged (£0) for visas up to 6 months. Right to Work is checked via an eVisa share code on the gov.uk website.
The application process for seasonal work through Fruitful Jobs consists of several stages, each of which requires attention and compliance with established rules. It is important to remember that participation in the scheme is an official process regulated by UK immigration law, so providing truthful information is critical.
Step 1: Registration and application. The first step is to visit the official Fruitful Jobs portal. As already mentioned, the portal is available in English. Candidates need to create an account and fill in a questionnaire, which includes personal details, work experience (if any), contact information and preferred work dates. It is important to fill in the questionnaire honestly and completely. If you have no experience in agriculture, this is not an obstacle, as many farms provide on-the-job training. However, having experience can be an advantage when being allocated to certain types of work.
Step 2: Interview and selection. After reviewing the application, candidates may be invited for an online interview. The interview is usually conducted by representatives of the operator or their partners in the candidate's home country. The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate's motivation, readiness for physical work and understanding of the scheme's conditions. At this stage, candidates may also be asked questions about their health and any medical contraindications. Remember, if you have any medical conditions, discuss with a doctor the possibility of doing heavy physical work before applying.
Step 3: Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If the candidate successfully passes the selection, Fruitful Jobs issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for them. This document contains a unique number that is needed to apply for a visa. The CoS confirms that the candidate has a guaranteed job in the UK for a certain period. It is important to note that receiving a CoS does not guarantee automatic visa approval, as the final decision is made by the Home Office.
Step 4: Applying for a Seasonal Worker visa. With the CoS number in hand, the candidate can apply for a visa. The application process is carried out online on the official UK government website (gov.uk). When filling in the visa application form, you need to enter the CoS number, personal details, passport information and other required data. The visa fee in 2026 is £340. An important advantage of the Seasonal Worker visa is that for visas up to 6 months, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not charged (£0). This significantly reduces the financial burden on candidates.
Step 5: Biometric enrolment. After completing the online application and paying the visa fee, the candidate needs to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph). Visa application centres are located in major cities in most countries. When visiting the visa centre, you must bring your valid passport and a printed confirmation of the appointment.
Step 6: Waiting for a decision and receiving the visa. Processing times for visa applications can vary, but usually take a few weeks. After a decision is made, the candidate receives a notification. In case of a positive decision, the visa is affixed to the passport (or issued electronically, depending on nationality). It is important to note that from the end of 2024, the UK is transitioning to an electronic visa (eVisa) system. Right to Work is now checked via an eVisa share code on the gov.uk website, and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer used for this purpose.
Step 7: Preparing for the trip and arrival. After receiving the visa, the candidate can plan their trip to the UK. Fruitful Jobs provides information on how to get to the farm and what items to bring. Upon arrival at the farm, workers undergo a safety induction, get acquainted with the living and working conditions, and sign an employment contract. Using the Just Good Work app at this stage helps workers adapt faster and get access to all necessary information in their native language.
What workers say
The topics below are based on aggregation of public posts in r/uk, r/AskUK and the Telegram channel @uksezon for 2023–2026. These are representative sentiments, not individual quotes with attribution.
On Trustpilot the company's rating is 4.2 out of 5 based on 46 reviews. On Indeed the rating is 5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews).
Among the positive points, workers note the availability of earning opportunities. In an Indeed review (2023) it says: "Many opportunities are being offered by these companies..." [1].
However, there are also serious negative incidents. In October 2023, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism published an article about protests at the Haygrove farm, where Fruitful Jobs sent workers. One worker stated: "All that is missing is a whip to beat people" [2].
Analysis of worker reviews about Fruitful Jobs shows a mixed picture, which is typical for Seasonal Worker operators. The worker experience strongly depends on the specific farm they were assigned to, the weather conditions during the season, crop yields and relationships with on-site management. It is important to consider reviews in the context of the overall situation in the industry and understand that individual experiences can differ significantly.
Positive aspects: Many workers note that the scheme provides a real opportunity to earn money that would be difficult or impossible to earn in their home countries in such a short time. For many, seasonal work in the UK becomes a way to improve their family's financial situation, pay for their children's education or save for a major purchase. Workers appreciate transparency in pay, when farms strictly comply with National Minimum Wage (NMW) requirements and pay earned money on time. Also positively assessed is the opportunity to meet people from different countries, improve English language skills and gain experience in modern agriculture.
Negative aspects and challenges: On the other hand, reviews often contain complaints about difficult working conditions. Working in the field in the rain or in hot greenhouses requires significant physical effort. Some workers note that piece-rate productivity targets can be too high, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of earnings. There are also complaints about living conditions in caravans, which can be cramped, insufficiently insulated or have problems with household amenities. It is important to note that living standards are regulated by the state, and operators are obliged to monitor compliance, but in practice situations can vary.
The incident at the Haygrove farm in 2023, covered by the press, highlights the importance of monitoring working conditions by operators. The worker protests were caused by dissatisfaction with working conditions and the attitude of farm management. The quote "All that is missing is a whip to beat people" vividly illustrates the degree of frustration and stress that some workers faced. This case became a reason for serious investigations and inspections, which ultimately led to the temporary suspension of Fruitful Jobs' licence. The reinstatement of the licence indicates that the operator took the necessary steps to rectify the situation and improve control over partner farms.
Overall, worker reviews emphasise that seasonal work in the UK is not an easy walk, but hard work that requires stamina and a willingness to face difficulties. Candidates should realistically assess their strengths and carefully study information about the scheme before deciding to participate.
How much you get paid
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) in 2026 for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Pay can be piece-rate (per amount of crop picked), but it cannot fall below the minimum hourly rate.
The issue of pay is one of the most important for seasonal workers. The UK has a strict system for monitoring compliance with National Minimum Wage (NMW) legislation. This means that regardless of which farm you work on and which crop you pick, your earnings cannot be lower than the minimum set by the state.
In 2026 the NMW rate for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. For workers aged 18 to 20 the rate may be slightly lower, but most operators, including Fruitful Jobs, try to apply a single rate for all adult workers to avoid discrimination and simplify calculations. It is important to note that the NMW rate is regularly reviewed by the UK government and usually increases every year in April.
Hourly and piece-rate pay: Farms use two main pay systems: hourly and piece-rate. With hourly pay, the worker receives a fixed amount for each hour worked, regardless of the volume of work done. This system is often used for jobs where individual productivity is difficult to measure, such as plant care, product sorting in a warehouse or general agricultural work.
Piece-rate pay is widespread for harvesting, especially soft fruit and apples. Under this system, the worker is paid for the amount of product picked (for example, per kilogram or per box). Piece-rate pay motivates workers to work faster and more efficiently, as their earnings directly depend on their productivity. Experienced and fast pickers can earn significantly more than the minimum rate.
However, UK legislation strictly protects workers' rights under piece-rate pay. The employer must set piece rates so that an average worker, working at a normal pace, can earn at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). If a worker does not reach the NMW level under piece-rate pay, the employer is obliged to top up the difference to the minimum rate. This rule guarantees that workers will not be left without fair remuneration even in the event of low yields or bad weather.
Deductions from wages: When calculating expected income, it is important to take into account legal deductions from wages. These include:
- Income Tax: The UK has a tax-free personal allowance. If your total earnings for the tax year (April to April) do not exceed this amount, you do not pay Income Tax. If earnings exceed the limit, tax is charged only on the excess amount.
- National Insurance (NI): National Insurance contributions are mandatory for all workers whose earnings exceed a certain threshold. These contributions go towards funding state social programmes.
- Accommodation charge: If you live in accommodation provided by the employer (for example, a caravan on the farm), the cost of accommodation is deducted from your wages. The state sets a maximum limit (accommodation offset) that the employer can deduct for accommodation. In 2026 this limit is strictly controlled to prevent abuse.
Workers receive payslips every week or every two weeks, which detail all earnings and deductions. This ensures transparency of calculations and allows workers to monitor their income.
After the season ends and you leave the UK, you can claim back overpaid tax via gov.uk — a typical refund for a seasonal worker is £1,000–2,500. Free, no middlemen.
Accommodation
Workers usually live in caravans on the farm. The cost of accommodation is deducted from wages in accordance with state-set limits.
The issue of accommodation is critically important for the comfort and well-being of seasonal workers. Since most farms are located in rural areas, far from large settlements, employers are obliged to provide housing for their workers. Accommodation standards for seasonal workers are strictly regulated by UK legislation and monitored by operators such as Fruitful Jobs, as well as government bodies.
Types of accommodation: The most common type of accommodation for seasonal workers is static caravans (mobile homes). Caravans are usually designed for 2 to 6 people. Inside the caravan there are bedrooms (often with bunk beds), a shared living area, a kitchen equipped with a stove, refrigerator and necessary utensils, and a bathroom with toilet and shower. Some farms may offer accommodation in dormitories or specially converted buildings, but caravans remain the most popular option.
Living conditions: Employers are obliged to provide basic standards of comfort and safety in the accommodation they provide. This includes heating, hot and cold water, electricity, and regular rubbish collection. Caravans must be in good technical condition, without leaks or mould. Workers are usually provided with bedding, although many prefer to bring their own bed linen or sleeping bags for extra comfort.
It is important to understand that living in a caravan involves sharing everyday life with other people. This requires respect for neighbours' personal space, adherence to rules of cleanliness and order, and a willingness to compromise. Many farms have house rules that prohibit noise after a certain time, smoking inside caravans and other actions that may disturb others.
On-farm infrastructure: In addition to the caravans themselves, farms often provide additional infrastructure for workers. This may include shared laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers, recreation areas with a TV and internet access (Wi-Fi), sports facilities (for example, for football or volleyball), and small shops where you can buy essential items. The presence of such infrastructure makes life on the farm more comfortable and helps workers organise their leisure time.
Cost of accommodation: As already mentioned, the cost of accommodation is deducted from the worker's wages. UK legislation sets a maximum limit (accommodation offset) that the employer can deduct for providing housing. This limit is reviewed annually. The employer is not allowed to deduct an amount exceeding this limit, even if the actual costs of maintaining the accommodation are higher. In addition, the employer cannot force a worker to live in the provided accommodation if the worker can find an alternative place to live independently (although in practice this can be difficult in rural areas).
If problems with accommodation arise (for example, a broken heating system, lack of hot water, overcrowding), workers should first contact the farm management. If the problem is not resolved, workers can seek help from the operator (Fruitful Jobs) or the GLAA helpline.
Contacts
Official website: not published on the operator's site (portal available).
Phone: not published on the operator's site.
Email: not published on the operator's site.
If you have problems at the workplace you can call the GLAA helpline on 0800 432 0804.
The absence of direct contact details on the operator's website may seem unusual, but this is a common practice among companies involved in mass recruitment. The main interaction with candidates and workers takes place through specialised portals and apps, such as Just Good Work. This allows automating application processing and providing a centralised communication channel.
For workers already in the UK, the main point of contact is the operator's welfare officer, who regularly visits farms and helps resolve any issues. Contact details for this officer are usually provided to workers upon arrival.
It is important to remember that in the event of serious rights violations, threats to health or safety, workers can always seek help from government bodies. The GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority) helpline is the main channel for reporting abuse, exploitation or violations of working conditions. Calling 0800 432 0804 is free and confidential. Helpline operators can provide advice and, if necessary, initiate an inspection of the employer.
Comparison
Unlike HOPS, Pro-Force and AGRI-HR, Fruitful Jobs does not work with citizens from Central Asia. Unlike RE Recruitment, which specialises only in poultry, Fruitful Jobs works in the horticulture sector.
Choosing an operator is an important step for a candidate for seasonal work. Each operator has its own characteristics, recruitment geography and specialisation. Comparing Fruitful Jobs with other scheme participants helps to better understand their market positioning.
Recruitment geography: The main difference of Fruitful Jobs lies in their focus on EU countries and South Africa. While other large operators, such as HOPS, Pro-Force and AGRI-HR, are actively developing Central Asian markets (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan), Fruitful Jobs remains loyal to its traditional directions. This means that citizens of Central Asian countries cannot apply through this operator and must turn to other companies.
Economic sector: Fruitful Jobs specialises in the horticulture sector, which includes growing fruit, vegetables, berries and hops. This distinguishes them from RE Recruitment, which within the Seasonal Worker scheme is exclusively involved in recruiting staff for the poultry sector in the pre-Christmas period. Work in horticulture usually involves a longer season (up to 6 months) and work outdoors or in greenhouses, while work in poultry is often associated with meat processing in factories and has a shorter season (October–December).
Recruitment volumes: In terms of the number of jobs arranged (about 2,000 per year), Fruitful Jobs is a medium-sized operator. They are smaller than giants such as HOPS (about 12,000 jobs) or Concordia (about 10,000 jobs), but comparable to Pro-Force. A smaller recruitment volume may mean a more individual approach to workers, but also fewer available vacancies.
Reputation and history: Like many other operators, Fruitful Jobs has a complex history, including both positive reviews and incidents that attracted the attention of the press and regulators. The temporary licence suspension in 2023 is a serious fact that distinguishes them from operators with an unblemished record. However, the successful reinstatement of the licence shows the company's ability to solve problems and meet GLAA requirements.
Issues
In February 2023 Fruitful Jobs' licence was suspended, but in May 2023 it was reinstated with a B rating. There have also been complaints about working conditions on some farms, in particular at Haygrove in 2023.
The UK Seasonal Worker scheme is regularly criticised by human rights organisations and journalists for insufficient protection of migrants' rights. The problems workers face are often systemic and affect many operators, including Fruitful Jobs.
Licence suspension: The incident with the GLAA licence suspension in February 2023 was a serious blow to Fruitful Jobs' reputation. GLAA has the power to suspend or revoke operators' licences if it finds violations of licensing standards. These standards cover a wide range of issues, including correct wage calculation, living conditions, workplace safety and prevention of forced labour. The exact reasons for the suspension of Fruitful Jobs' licence were not disclosed in detail, but the fact itself indicates the presence of serious problems in the company's activities at that time. The reinstatement of the licence with a B rating means that the company eliminated critical violations but remains under close scrutiny by the regulator.
Haygrove farm incident: The worker protests at the Haygrove farm in 2023, widely covered in the press, became another example of problems in the industry. Workers complained about difficult working conditions, unfair treatment by management and problems with pay. This case highlights that even with a licensed operator, conditions on a specific farm can be far from ideal. Operators are responsible for checking partner farms and ensuring workers' rights are respected, but in practice monitoring may be insufficient.
Systemic risks: Seasonal migrant workers are a vulnerable category. They often do not speak the language, are unfamiliar with local legislation and depend on the employer for accommodation and legal status. This creates risks of exploitation and abuse. It is important that candidates are aware of their rights, know where to seek help and are not afraid to report violations. The use of tools such as the Just Good Work app and the existence of the GLAA helpline are important steps towards protecting workers' rights, but the problem requires constant attention from the state and society.
Frequently asked questions
Does Fruitful Jobs recruit workers from Central Asia?
No, the operator does not recruit citizens from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
How much does the visa cost?
The Seasonal Worker visa costs £340.
Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
No, for Seasonal Worker visas up to 6 months the IHS is £0.
What is the minimum wage in 2026?
For workers aged 21 and over the minimum rate is £12.71 per hour.
Is Fruitful Jobs' GLAA licence active?
Yes, according to the public register, licence FRUI0003 is active.
Can I go with medical contraindications?
Discuss with a doctor the possibility of doing heavy physical work before applying.
How is Right to Work checked in the UK?
Right to Work is checked via an eVisa share code on the gov.uk website.
Where to go if my rights are violated?
You can call the GLAA helpline on 0800 432 0804.