Gone are the days when you needed fancy qualifications or extensive skills to migrate to the UK and earn a living.
Now, you can arrive in the UK, find simple jobs, and start earning well based on the services you provide.
In this article, I’ve outlined 10 jobs that immigrants without formal qualifications can do in the UK, how to find these jobs, and what steps to take after receiving a job offer.
Best 10 Unskilled Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Cleaner
Average Salary: £10.20 per hour
The cleaning industry in the UK is expanding, with a projected 5.7% growth in 2023. Cleaners earn an average of £10.20 per hour, and no formal training or degree is required.
Cleaners are essential in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in various settings, including commercial buildings, offices, and homes. Attention to detail and reliability are key attributes for success in this job.
Nanny Jobs
Average Salary: £14 per hour
Demand for nannies in the UK has surged due to factors like the pandemic and the rising costs of childcare. Nannies can earn an average of £14 per hour, providing essential childcare services.
While no formal degree is required for nanny roles, having a natural love for children and basic childcare skills can be beneficial.
Fruit Pickers
Average Salary: £29 per hour
The UK is currently experiencing a labour shortage in the fruit-picking industry. As a result, fruit pickers can earn an average of £29 per hour, making it an attractive option for seasonal workers.
Foreign nationals can apply for a special visa introduced by the British government to take up this role. Fruit pickers work outdoors, harvesting crops and caring for fruit trees.
Hotel Receptionist
Average Salary: £15,298 per year
Working as a hotel receptionist in the UK is an excellent option for those seeking a zero-qualification job abroad.
With an average salary of £15,298 per year, the role involves assisting guests with check-ins and check-outs, providing information about hotel amenities, and handling customer inquiries.
While some hotels might prefer knowledge of the local language, many prioritize communication skills in English, making this job accessible to international workers.
Server
Average Salary: £22,174 per year
Servers in cafes and restaurants across the UK, especially those that cater to tourists or English-speaking customers, can earn an average salary of £22,174 annually.
Servers are responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring customer satisfaction. While understanding the local language may be helpful, strong communication in English is typically enough to secure a job in this sector.
Au Pair
Average Salary: £22,663 per year
An au pair, or live-in nanny, can earn an average of £22,663 annually in the UK. Au pairs live with a host family and provide childcare while helping with light household chores.
Although many au pair roles may not be salaried, the host family generally offers accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend, making it a great opportunity for cultural exchange and language immersion.
Delivery Driver
Average Salary: £11.10 per hour
The UK is currently experiencing a severe shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, with an estimated gap of 76,000 drivers. As a delivery driver, you can earn an average of £11.10 per hour.
To work in this role, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a UK driving permit. Delivery drivers play a vital role in logistics, ensuring goods reach their destinations.
Barista
Average Salary: £9.98 per hour
The UK’s coffee industry is booming, valued at £15 billion annually, offering plenty of opportunities for baristas. Baristas earn an average of £9.98 per hour by crafting and serving coffee creatively.
Formal qualifications aren’t needed, but being able to make excellent coffee and deliver top-notch customer service is crucial.
Dog Walker
The UK is a nation that values pets like family, making dog walking a profitable opportunity for animal lovers. With many people too busy to walk their pets, dog walkers can earn around £14 per hour, or even more.
No certification is required for this role; just a passion for caring for dogs. This makes dog walking ideal for beginners, especially students seeking to earn extra money.
To find clients, you can start by doing some research or use social media to advertise your dog walking service, increasing your chances of attracting more pet owners who need assistance.
Bartender
Average Salary: £10.71 per hour
Bartending in the UK is a fun, interactive job, with an average salary of £10.71 per hour. Bartenders are responsible for mixing drinks and providing a lively atmosphere for customers.
While no formal qualifications are necessary, knowing how to prepare various beverages and having good communication skills are assets.
Best Platforms to Secure Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Before applying for a UK visa, it’s essential to secure a job offer from an eligible employer in the UK. Finding unskilled jobs requires a bit of searching, but several reliable platforms can help. Here are five trusted platforms:
Indeed
Indeed is one of the most well-known and trusted job boards worldwide, with over 250 million monthly visitors and 200 million CVs.
It features a user-friendly interface that allows job seekers to search and filter jobs easily, offering opportunities in various sectors, including full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance positions.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor stands out for its focus on company reviews, offering insights into corporate cultures and work environments.
Job seekers can also access salary details and benefit information to make informed career decisions. While navigating the site may require some effort, the transparency it provides is a valuable asset.
LinkedIn Jobs
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, connects job seekers with employers, industry peers, and colleagues.
With more than 30 million users in the UK, it offers a wide range of job listings across industries. Users can use their profiles as CVs and apply directly to jobs, and a premium membership offers additional tools.
Reed
One of the oldest UK-specific job boards, Reed features nearly 300,000 job listings in various fields. Its filtering options, such as graduate suitability and work-from-home possibilities, make finding the right position easier. Reed also provides career advice and educational courses to help job seekers.
TotalJobs
TotalJobs offers access to over 250,000 UK-based job listings with filters for commute preferences and salary ranges.
Job seekers can also use quizzes to discover hidden skills and receive personalized salary estimates, along with career advice and well-being tips.
How to Migrate to UK
Securing a job offer from an eligible UK employer is the first step towards immigrating to the UK for work. Once you have an offer, follow these steps to migrate:
3. Find the Correct Visa Type
Research visa options that match your skills and job requirements. Common visas include the Innovator visa, Skilled-worker visa, and International sportsperson visa.
Apply for the Visa
Prepare the necessary documents and submit your visa application at a local representative office. Processing times vary.
Move to the UK
Upon visa approval, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport. Upon arrival, collect your biometric residence permit (BRP), which serves as proof of your right to live and work in the UK.
Get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of working in the UK on a valid work visa, you can apply for ILR, granting you the right to live in the UK without restrictions and paving the way for citizenship.
Conclusion
After receiving a job offer from an eligible employer, the next step is applying for the appropriate visa to immigrate to the UK.
Careful planning and execution are essential, and after five years of working with a valid work visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you the freedom to live in the UK without restrictions.
