Introduction
Unskilled jobs — often referred to as “low-skilled” or “entry-level” positions — play a vital role in keeping the UK economy running. These roles don’t typically require formal education or advanced training, but they offer stable employment, on-the-job training, and a pathway for migrants, new graduates, and career changers to earn income and build work experience.
The UK’s service, logistics, healthcare support, agriculture, and hospitality sectors rely heavily on unskilled labour. Whether you are a UK citizen or a foreign applicant looking to relocate, unskilled jobs can serve as an entry point into the British job market with opportunities for career progression, especially in high-demand areas.
In this guide, we’ll break down the types of unskilled jobs available in the UK, salary expectations, who can apply, visa options, where to find jobs, and how to avoid common mistakes when applying.
Job Description and Responsibilities
Unskilled jobs in the UK generally involve tasks that can be learned quickly and don’t require advanced degrees or formal qualifications. They may be physically demanding or routine in nature but offer a great way to earn money and gain experience.
Some common examples include:
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Cleaners – cleaning offices, hospitals, hotels, or homes.
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Warehouse Operatives – picking, packing, loading, and unloading goods.
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Delivery Drivers – transporting packages or food (e.g., for Amazon, Uber Eats).
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Kitchen Porters – assisting in commercial kitchens with dishwashing and prep.
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Farm Workers – harvesting crops and handling seasonal agricultural work.
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Construction Labourers – supporting skilled tradespeople on building sites.
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Care Assistants (Entry-Level) – helping with basic patient care in residential settings.
Day-to-day responsibilities often include manual labour, following instructions, working in teams, operating basic machinery, and maintaining safety standards.
Average Salary of Unskilled Workers in the UK
Salaries for unskilled roles are usually paid by the hour. The UK government sets a National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), which are updated annually.
As of April 2025, the hourly wage standards are:
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Ages 21 and over (NLW): £11.44 per hour
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Ages 18 to 20: £8.60 per hour
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Apprentices: £6.40 per hour
However, some employers offer more depending on location, company, and demand. Here are estimated monthly salaries:
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Warehouse Worker: £1,800 – £2,400
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Cleaner: £1,600 – £2,000
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Delivery Driver: £2,000 – £2,800 (plus bonuses or tips)
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Farm Worker (Seasonal): £400 – £500 per week
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Kitchen Porter: £1,700 – £2,100
Overtime, night shifts, or weekend work may include additional pay.
Eligibility Criteria for Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Unlike skilled jobs, unskilled roles have fewer formal requirements. However, employers still seek certain characteristics:
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Age: Must be at least 18 years old (for most jobs involving physical labour).
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Language: Basic English communication skills (reading and understanding instructions).
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Right to Work: British citizens, settled EU nationals, and valid visa holders can work.
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Physical Fitness: Many jobs are physically demanding and require stamina.
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Work Ethic: Punctuality, reliability, and willingness to follow instructions are key.
Preferred but Not Mandatory:
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Previous experience in similar roles.
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Willingness to work night shifts or weekends.
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Flexibility to relocate for seasonal or temporary work.
Visa Options for Foreign Applicants
Most unskilled jobs are not included on the UK's Skilled Worker visa list, which makes legal entry for these roles more complex. However, there are still a few options for foreign nationals:
1. Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary)
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For farm jobs like fruit picking, horticulture, and poultry work.
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Allows stays up to 6 months.
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No experience or degree required.
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Must be sponsored by a licensed UK employer.
2. Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)
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Available for nationals from select countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea).
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Age limit: 18–30 years.
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Allows work in most unskilled jobs for up to 2 years.
3. Graduate Visa
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For international students who’ve completed a UK degree.
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Valid for 2–3 years; unskilled jobs allowed during this period.
4. Dependant Visa Holders
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Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders may legally work in any job, including unskilled positions.
Important: As of 2025, there is no dedicated long-term visa route for unskilled workers, apart from temporary or seasonal roles. This may change if the UK government expands its immigration programs in future labour shortage scenarios.
How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing an unskilled job in the UK:
1. Prepare a Basic CV
Keep it simple. Include:
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Contact details
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Work history (if any)
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Skills like teamwork, time management, or basic English
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Willingness to work flexible hours
2. Search on Trusted Job Portals
Start with these reputable platforms:
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Fruitful Jobs (for seasonal farm roles)
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CareHome.co.uk (for entry-level care jobs)
3. Apply to Agencies
Employment agencies often help recruit for hospitality, warehouse, and construction jobs. Examples include:
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Blue Arrow
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Adecco
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Staffline
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Manpower UK
4. Attend Walk-in Interviews
Some industries (like hospitality or cleaning) accept walk-in applications, especially in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
5. Get Job Offers with Sponsorship (Seasonal Work)
If applying from abroad, focus on licensed sponsors who can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Seasonal Worker visa scheme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying Without Legal Work Rights: Many foreign applicants apply without the correct visa — employers will not consider them.
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Using Complicated CVs: Unskilled jobs require basic CVs; avoid clutter and technical jargon.
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Falling for Scams: Always verify employers and agencies. Avoid paying for job placements or sponsorship.
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Ignoring Job Descriptions: Some jobs may involve night shifts or weekends — always read carefully.
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Not Showing Up for Interviews or Shifts: Punctuality is highly valued in entry-level roles. Missing interviews can cost opportunities.
Why Consider Unskilled Jobs in the UK?
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Low Entry Requirements: No degrees or high-level experience needed.
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Regular Income: Consistent pay, sometimes with overtime bonuses.
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Career Opportunities: Many employers offer progression into supervisor or management roles.
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On-the-Job Training: Gain skills in logistics, customer service, or healthcare.
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Gateway into the UK Job Market: Especially useful for new migrants or students needing work experience.
FAQs
1. Can foreigners apply for unskilled jobs in the UK?
Yes, but only under limited visa categories like the Seasonal Worker visa or Youth Mobility Scheme. Most roles do not come with sponsorship.
2. Are unskilled jobs permanent in the UK?
Most are temporary or zero-hour contracts, though some offer full-time roles depending on performance.
3. What’s the best-paying unskilled job in the UK?
Delivery driving, night-shift warehouse roles, and certain construction jobs tend to pay more, especially with overtime or bonuses.
4. Do I need a CV for unskilled work?
Yes, even a simple one helps you stand out. Highlight your reliability, willingness to learn, and work ethic.
5. Can I switch from an unskilled job to a skilled role later?
Absolutely. Many workers start in unskilled positions and later upskill through training, apprenticeships, or further education.
Conclusion
Unskilled jobs may not require formal education or experience, but they remain crucial to the UK economy. Whether you’re a new immigrant, student, or someone seeking a fresh start, these roles offer a practical way to earn income, build a CV, and explore life in the UK. While immigration restrictions make it harder for foreign nationals to enter the UK solely for unskilled work, temporary visas like the Seasonal Worker visa still provide an avenue for short-term employment. With the right approach, attitude, and work ethic, unskilled jobs can become a stepping stone toward long-term stability and even career growth.
