Taking advantage of the UK’s seasonal work visa

As a result of the pandemic, early retirement, and Brexit there are certain sectors within the UK, such as logistics, hospitality and farming that are crying out for workers to join them regardless of background and experience.

To address this problem a temporary visa scheme opened in October 2021 and was initially intended to run for three months, until Christmas Eve. However, it has now been extended to March 2022 and includes poultry workers.

Here’s everything you need to know if you are thinking of applying.

South African drivers do not qualify

The world’s largest job site Indeed received a 307% spike in interest for HGV jobs in the UK, following the government’s announcement, with a staggering 627%, interest coming from jobseekers outside the EU, in countries like India, the UAE, Poland, Nigeria and South Africa.

South African drivers have generally always been in demand in the UK partly because we drive on the same side of the road as the UK. However, the HGV (heavy goods vehicle) licence requirement for this emergency visa means only EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Swiss drivers who hold a HGV category C or C+E licence can apply, as these licences are currently recognised by the UK.

‘Anyone coming from another country would need to take an HGV test within the UK,’ explains Sally Gilson from the Road Haulage Association in the UK. Not only is this costly, but it takes time, which the UK government doesn’t seem to have.

‘These visas have not been opened up to non-EU citizens and from our understanding the UK government have no plans to extend visas for HGV driving beyond what has already been announced. Sadly that means there is no mechanism for South African drivers to come and work in the UK,’ she concludes.

Poultry work

While you might not be able earn a hefty salary driving as a HGV this Christmas, if you’re a South African, over 18 years of age and a butcher, meat packer or general foods operative, you can still be in with a chance of earning some pounds this Christmas.

To apply for what is being called the Seasonal Worker Visa, you will need to contact one of following four approved service operators; AG Recruitment, Concordia, Fruitful Jobs, and Pro-Force  for more information on how to submit your details and complete the application process.

Any UK visa application usually asks you to show that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK during your time there – the UK government puts this at about £1,270 (R25,962), but it is likely that your sponsored employer will be able to provide this financial support on your behalf.

You must ensure your application is in by 15 November 2021. You should have a decision within three weeks thereafter. If it’s a yes, you’ll be allowed to enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job but must leave by the 31 December 2021.

Remember that as a seasonal worker, you can only work in the job you have been sponsored for and will not be able to study or take up alternative, full time or permanent work and will also not be entitled to public funds.

How much can you earn?

The huge salaries offered for HGV drivers has been well documented but potential earnings for poultry workers are a little more vague. A good starting point would be the UK’s prescribed minimum wage, which is currently just under £9 (R184) an hour. This is set to rise to £9.50 (R194) an hour for workers aged 23 and over in this week’s budget.

Experienced farm workers could earn a lot more if the agricultural jobs already advertised in the UK is anything to go by. One farm recently offered to pay wages of up to £30 an hour for broccoli pickers.

Taxes do apply. According to the UK government website, seasonal workers are classed as ordinary employees and so income tax and national insurance contributions, under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system, will be deducted from your salary.