Gone are the days when you must have fancy certificates or be heavily skilled to migrate to the UK and make a living.
This time, you can arrive in the UK, pick any easy task and start earning in high ledgers, however, it’s directly on the service you’re rendering.
In this article, I have highlighted 14 jobs unskilled people can do in the UK when they arrive, where to find them and what to do after you’ve got a job offer—you get the gist; so sit tight, let’s explore!
#1. Hotel Receptionist
Average Salary: £15,298 per year
Working as a hotel receptionist in the UK can be a great option for those looking for a zero-qualification job abroad.
With an average annual salary of £15,298, hotel receptionists assist guests with check-ins and check-outs, provide information about hotel amenities, and handle various customer queries.
While some hotels may require knowledge of the local language, many establishments value effective communication in English, making it accessible for international job seekers.
#2. Fruit Pickers
Average Salary: £29 per hour
The UK is currently facing a labour shortage, particularly in the fruit-picking sector.
As a result, fruit pickers can earn an average salary of £29 per hour, making it a lucrative option for those seeking seasonal work.
To work as a fruit picker in the UK, foreign nationals can apply for a special visa introduced by the British government.
This job provides an opportunity to work outdoors, performing physical tasks such as harvesting crops and tending to fruit trees.
#3. Server
Average Salary: £22,174 per year
Servers in the UK, commonly found in cafes and restaurants catering to tourists or English-speaking customers, can earn an average salary of £22,174 per year.
The role of a server involves taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring the overall satisfaction of customers.
While knowing the local language can be beneficial, effective communication skills in English are often sufficient to secure such positions.
#4. Au Pair
Average Salary: £22,663 per year
An au pair, also known as a live-in nanny, can earn an average salary of £22,663 per year in the UK.
As an au pair, foreign nationals live with a host family, taking care of their children and assisting with light household chores.
While most au pair positions tend to be unpaid, the host family usually provides accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend.
This job offers an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and language learning.
#5. Nanny Jobs
Average Salary: £14 per hour
The demand for nannies in the UK has increased due to various factors, including the pandemic and the cost of childcare services.
Nannies can earn an average salary of £14 per hour while providing essential childcare services to families.
While a degree is not required for this role, having a genuine love for children and basic childcare skills can be advantageous.
#6. Hotel Housekeeper
Average Salary: £23,426 per year
Working as a hotel housekeeper in the UK can be a rewarding career choice, with an average annual salary of £23,426.
Hotel housekeepers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in hotel rooms and common areas.
Duties may include vacuuming, changing bed sheets, dusting surfaces, mopping floors, and sanitizing bathrooms.
English language proficiency is often sufficient for this role, and some hotels may not require formal qualifications beyond completion of school.
#7. Farmhand
Average Salary: £27,316 per year
For those who enjoy working outdoors and with their hands, becoming a farmhand in the UK can be an appealing option.
Farmhands, also known as farm labourers, earn an average salary of £27,316 per year. Their tasks typically include picking fruit, harvesting crops, feeding livestock, and assisting with farm maintenance.
Some knowledge of the local language may be helpful for effective communication with other farm workers and supervisors.
#8. Cleaner
Average Salary: £10.20 per hour
The cleaning service industry in the UK is experiencing growth, with a projected 5.7% increase in 2023.
Cleaners can earn an average salary of £10.20 per hour, and formal training or a degree is not required for this job.
Cleaners play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various settings, including commercial establishments, offices, and residential properties.
Diligence and attention to detail are essential qualities for successful cleaners.
#9. Delivery Driver
Average Salary: £11.10 per hour
The UK is facing a significant shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, with a reported shortage of 76,000 drivers.
As a delivery driver, you can earn an average salary of £11.10 per hour. To work in this role, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a driving permit from the UK government.
Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods and products to various destinations, making them a vital role in the logistics industry.
#10. Bartender
Average Salary: £10.71 per hour
Working as a bartender in the UK can be a socially engaging job, with an average salary of £10.71 per hour.
Bartenders mix alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for customers while creating a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.
While no specific certifications are required, knowledge of various drinks and effective communication skills are valuable assets for this role.
#11. Barista
Average Salary: £9.98 per hour
The UK’s thriving coffee market, valued at £15 billion per year, offers opportunities for baristas to showcase their coffee-making skills.
With an average salary of £9.98 per hour, baristas serve coffee artistically and creatively.
While formal degrees in beverages are not required, having the ability to make great coffee and provide excellent customer service is essential for success in this role.
#12. Dog walker
The UK is one of the places on earth that considers pets as family, and here’s your chance to earn while you do what you love—dog walking.
Nowadays, people are so busy that they hardly have time for themselves, let alone taking their pets for a walk.
That’s why they really appreciate anyone who can help walk their pets when they can’t do it themselves.
You can make money from it! You can earn around $14 per hour or even more. One of the reasons dog walking is in the frenzy is that you don’t need a certificate to begin, all you need is passion for the man’s best friend(dog).
This makes dog walking a perfect begginers fre job, especially for students looking to earn some extra cash.
If you want to find clients who need dog walking services, you can start by doing some research. You can also use social media to let people know about your dog walking service, and that way, you’ll have more pet owners reaching out to you for help.
#13. Caregiver
Salary varies based on role and experience
Caregivers in the UK work in various settings, providing care and support to individuals who need assistance with daily activities.
The salary for caregivers can vary significantly based on the specific role, experience, and employer.
Caregiver roles may involve working with the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or patients in healthcare facilities.
#14. Sales Assistant
Here, you’re paid as negotiated.
Being a Sales Assistant might not sound exciting to everyone, but trust me, it’s a great opportunity! The sales you make can vary depending on where you work, but there are plenty of options to choose from.
You can apply for this job in places like boutiques, supermarkets, computer gadget stores, food stores, and more. It’s perfect for weekends, and you’ll receive a steady paycheck.
The best part is that you might even get tips from happy customers and earn commissions on your sales.
Don’t worry if you have no sales experience. You’ll receive training tailored to the specific type of sales you’ll be handling.
5 Platforms to Secure Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Keep in mind that you need to secure these jobs first from eligible employers in the UK before proceeding to apply for a UK visa.
That said, finding these zero to no-qualification jobs requires a slight search and there are legitimate platforms to do so. Below are 5 such platforms:
#5. Indeed
As one of the largest and most reputable job boards globally, Indeed boasts an impressive database of over 250 million monthly visitors and 200 million CVs.
Its user-friendly interface allows for easy job searches and various filtering options.
It covers a broad range of industries and job types, including full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance positions.
#4. Glassdoor
Known for its emphasis on company reviews, Glassdoor provides valuable insights into corporate cultures and work environments.
Job seekers can access a vast amount of salary information and benefit details to make informed decisions.
While the site may be a bit challenging to navigate, its focus on transparency helps applicants make more informed choices.
#3. LinkedIn Jobs
As the original social network for professionals, LinkedIn offers job seekers a platform to connect with potential employers, colleagues, and industry peers.
With over 30 million users in the UK alone, it hosts numerous job listings across various industries.
Users can leverage their profiles as CVs and apply directly to jobs while accessing additional features with a premium membership.
#2. Reed
One of the original UK-specific job boards, Reed features nearly 300,000 job listings across different sectors.
Its extensive filtering options, such as graduate suitability and work-from-home possibilities, help applicants find relevant positions easily.
In addition to job listings, Reed offers valuable career advice and a selection of educational courses.
#1. TotalJobs
With a database of over a quarter of a million UK-based jobs, TotalJobs provides excellent filtering options, including commute preferences and salary rates.
Job seekers can access quizzes to highlight hidden skills and receive personalized salary estimates. The site also offers articles on career advice and well-being.
What Next?
Getting a suitable job offer from an eligible UK employer is a significant milestone towards Migrating to the UK to work and live.
However, that’s not all it takes, after the job offer below are the summarized steps you must take to migrate to the UK.
#1. Find the correct visa type:
- Explore various visa options based on your skills and work requirements.
- Common options include an Innovator visa, a Skilled-worker visa, and an International sportsperson visa.
#2. Apply for the visa:
- Prepare the necessary documents for your chosen visa type.
- Submit the visa application at a local representative office.
- The processing time can vary.
#3. Move to the UK:
- If the application is successful, you will receive a decision and a vignette sticker on your passport.
- Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) upon arrival (if applied outside the UK).
- BRP serves as proof of your right to live and work in the UK.
#4. Get an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- After five years of living in the UK with a work visa, you can apply for ILR.
- ILR allows you to live in the UK without restrictions and opens the path to applying for citizenship.
FAQs
Are there job opportunities for farmhands in the UK?
Yes, becoming a farmhand in the UK can be a rewarding career choice, with an average salary of £27,316 per year.
Do unskilled workers need to apply for a work visa to work in the UK?
Yes, once an eligible UK employer offers a job, unskilled workers need to apply for the appropriate work visa to legally work and live in the UK.
What is the projected growth in the cleaning service industry in the UK?
The cleaning service industry in the UK is projected to experience a 5.7% increase in 2023.
Where should international students look for part-time jobs in the UK?
International students can look for part-time jobs through the career centre at their university, which may have job boards available.
They can also explore job portals online, such as StudentJob, Indeed, and Save the Student, which features various job opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Conclusion
After receiving a job offer from an eligible employer, you need to take on the correct visa type and apply for the relevant visa to migrate to the UK.
As simple as it may sound, you need time to plan and execute these ideas. However, two good heads are best and faster.
After living and working in the UK for five years with a work visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), at this point you have the right to live in the UK without restrictions.
There’s no way around it, if working is involved in your purpose for migrating to the UK, then you must do the needful; get a work permit!