The days of needing advanced degrees or specialized skills to migrate to the UK and earn a living are long gone. Today, newcomers to the UK can quickly find work that doesn’t require any formal qualifications and still earn a decent income, depending on the nature of the job.
In this article, we’ll explore 14 jobs that unskilled workers can take up upon arriving in the UK. We’ll also provide insights on where to find these jobs and what steps to take once you’ve secured an offer.
14 Jobs Unskilled People Can do in the Uk When they Arrive
1. Hotel Receptionist
Average Salary: £15,298 per year
A job as a hotel receptionist can be a great entry point for those without formal qualifications. With an average salary of £15,298 per year, hotel receptionists are responsible for assisting guests during check-ins and check-outs, providing information about hotel amenities, and handling customer inquiries. While some hotels might prefer local language skills, proficiency in English is often enough for many establishments, making this role accessible to international job seekers.
2. Fruit Picker
Average Salary: £29 per hour
The UK is currently experiencing a labor shortage in the agricultural sector, particularly in fruit picking. This has made fruit picking a lucrative option, with an average pay of £29 per hour. Foreign nationals can apply for a special visa to work in this sector, allowing them to work outdoors in roles that involve harvesting crops and tending to fruit trees.
3. Server
Average Salary: £22,174 per year
Servers in the UK, particularly those working in cafes and restaurants frequented by tourists or English-speaking customers, can earn an average salary of £22,174 per year. Their duties include taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring customer satisfaction. While understanding the local language can be an advantage, strong communication skills in English are typically sufficient for securing these positions.
4. Au Pair
Average Salary: £22,663 per year
An au pair, or live-in nanny, can earn an average salary of £22,663 per year in the UK. Au pairs live with host families, helping with childcare and light household chores. While many au pair positions are unpaid, they usually come with accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend. This job also offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and language learning.
5. Nanny
Average Salary: £14 per hour
The demand for nannies in the UK has increased, partly due to the pandemic and the high cost of childcare services. Nannies can earn around £14 per hour by providing essential childcare services. While a formal degree isn’t required, a genuine love for children and basic childcare skills are beneficial.
6. Hotel Housekeeper
Average Salary: £23,426 per year
Working as a hotel housekeeper in the UK can be a fulfilling job, offering an average annual salary of £23,426. Housekeepers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in hotel rooms and common areas. The job doesn’t typically require more than a basic education and proficiency in English.
7. Farmhand
Average Salary: £27,316 per year
For those who enjoy working outdoors, becoming a farmhand in the UK is a great option. Farmhands earn an average of £27,316 per year and perform tasks such as picking fruit, harvesting crops, feeding livestock, and assisting with farm maintenance.
8. Cleaner
Average Salary: £10.20 per hour
The UK’s cleaning service industry is growing, with a projected 5.7% increase in 2023. Cleaners can earn an average of £10.20 per hour, and no formal training or degree is required. The job involves maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in commercial establishments, offices, and homes.
9. Delivery Driver
Average Salary: £11.10 per hour
The UK is currently facing a shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, creating a high demand for delivery drivers. With an average salary of £11.10 per hour, this role requires a valid driver’s license from your home country and a UK driving permit.
10. Bartender
Average Salary: £10.71 per hour
Bartending in the UK can be a fun and social job, with an average salary of £10.71 per hour. Bartenders prepare and serve drinks while creating a lively atmosphere for customers. While no specific qualifications are required, knowledge of drinks and strong communication skills are valuable.
11. Barista
Average Salary: £9.98 per hour
The UK’s coffee market is booming, offering opportunities for baristas to earn an average of £9.98 per hour. Baristas prepare and serve coffee, often with an artistic flair. While formal training isn’t necessary, making excellent coffee and providing great customer service are key to success in this role.
12. Dog Walker
Average Salary: £14 per hour
The UK is a nation of pet lovers, and dog walking has become a popular job, especially for students. With an average pay of £14 per hour, dog walking requires no formal qualifications, just a love for dogs. Social media can be a great way to find clients and grow your business.
13. Caregiver
Salary: Varies based on role and experience
Caregivers in the UK provide support to individuals in need of assistance with daily activities. Salaries vary based on experience and the specific role, which may involve working with the elderly, disabled, or patients in healthcare facilities.
14. Sales Assistant
Salary: Negotiable
Sales assistants work in a variety of retail settings, from boutiques to supermarkets. While the job may not seem exciting to everyone, it offers a steady paycheck and opportunities for tips and commissions. Training is usually provided on the job, making this a great option for those without prior sales experience.
5 Platforms to Find Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Before applying for a UK visa, it’s important to secure a job offer from an eligible employer. Here are five platforms to help you find unskilled jobs in the UK:
- Indeed: With over 250 million monthly visitors, Indeed is one of the largest job boards globally. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of job listings.
- Glass door: Known for company reviews, Glass door provides insights into corporate cultures and salary information, helping job seekers make informed decisions.
- LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn is a professional network that offers job listings and opportunities to connect with potential employers.
- Reed: Reed is a UK-specific job board with nearly 300,000 job listings. It offers extensive filtering options and valuable career advice.
- TotalJobs: TotalJobs provides access to a vast database of UK-based jobs, with excellent filtering options and career advice articles.
Conclusion
Securing a job offer from an eligible UK employer is a crucial step toward migrating to the UK for work. After receiving an offer, you’ll need to choose the right visa type, prepare your documents, and apply for the visa. Once your application is approved, you can move to the UK, collect your biometric residence permit, and begin your new life. After five years of living and working in the UK with a work visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you the right to live in the UK without restrictions.
Remember, if your goal is to work in the UK, obtaining a work permit is a necessary step in the process.