Unskilled jobs in the UK. A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re interested in relocating to the United Kingdom as an unskilled worker, you are on the right post. The United Kingdom is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. Though unskilled jobs in the UK are those fully learned within 30 days or less.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom is one of the world’s leading commercial and financial centers.  As of April 2023, the UK minimum wage has increased to £10.42 per hour. Some unskilled jobs in the UK include Fruit pickers, welders, school caretakers, laborers, cleaners, technicians, sales reps, etc.

Read on as I take you through ways of securing an unskilled job in the UK.

What is an unskilled job in the UK?

While we discuss unskilled labor, hopefully, these explanations will help you understand what unskilled labor is. Unskilled labor is also known as low-wage labor. However, these laborers provide an important part of the overall labor market carrying out daily production tasks that are not skill-based. 

Although, these jobs are for individuals with little or no education or experience compared to others. But, it’s not uncommon for people with university degrees to have these unskilled jobs. It usually results from a lack of work but this will be a discussion for another day.

All you need to know about the Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK is in this article, so just read carefully.

Unskilled job eligibility

Here is the step-by-step process to get an unskilled job in the UK with your visa sponsorship. To secure an unskilled job in the UK, You must be 18 and above when you apply and have the following documents.

• A Certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor. 
• Personal financial support in the UK, at least £1,270 available (unless exempted).

Your employer must ensure that your job pays the minimum wage and follows the rules for required working hours/week. If your employer does not do this, your application may be denied.

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number that holds information about the job and your details. It will be given to you by your sponsor even though, it’s not an actual certificate or paper document. Furthermore, you must add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your visa application form for one use. However, this certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Personal financial support

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can finance yourself in the UK. In addition, you must have had the money available for at least 28 days straight. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You must submit proof of funds when you apply online unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270. Once applied online and provided all required documents. However, you’ll get a decision on your visa within three weeks if you live outside the UK or eight weeks if you live in the UK.

Unskilled job visa application

Once your job is secured, you will move on to a Visa application. You will need a work permit to work as an unskilled laborer in the UK. There are different types of work permits, and each applies to various jobs. 

There are six types of work permits, and five of these types are for short-term workers.

Unskilled worker salary in the United Kingdom

Interestingly, as of September 27, 2023, an employee makes £24,633/year, £2,053/month, £474/week, or £12.17/hour. These values are based on research from the job market, but Salary rates can vary depending on job type and location. However, in deriving an average wage, the lowest annual salary is £24,579, and the highest is £24,633.

Some Common Unskilled Jobs in the UK

1. Cleaners
2. Farm workers
3. Private Chauffeur
4. Mining Constructors
5. Bouncers
6. Caregivers
7. Construction workers
8. Drivers
9. Store clerks
10. Sales representatives

Some Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in the UK

1. Private Chauffeur

Their job requires them to drive and maintain their employer’s vehicle. Sometimes, the roles can be very personal as it’s assigned to specific people. They also help get on and off the vehicle, with an average annual salary of £32,643.

2. Janitor

The janitor is one of the highest paying unskilled jobs in the UK. They ensure general cleaning of buildings, especially public ones. Also, make sure these premises are clean, they clean windows and all types of furniture. They receive an annual salary of £20,194.

3. Courier

The courier carries parcels picked up from the central warehouse to the specified address. Therefore to perform their duties efficiently, they must plan their routes to ensure they deliver these packages on time. Their average annual salary is £28,233.

4. Bouncer

Bouncers ensure guest safety and deter dangerous activity or individuals. In addition, they provide the concerned authorities with detailed reports on all escalating incidents. They generally earn £28,233.

5. Agricultural Workers

Farmers and fruit pickers are responsible for planting, tending, and harvesting farm crops. In some cases, you will have to take care of the livestock. Furthermore, these animals need food, clean shelter, and care for sick or newborn babies. Their average annual salary is £19,747.

6. Sales Representative

Occasionally, product users contact manufacturers for various reasons to complain or suggest improvements. Whatever the purpose of the call, sales representatives are links to these manufacturers. They help customers reach producers and help producers understand their customers’ ideas. Their average salary is £21,751.

7. Construction workers

Building is now a lucrative endeavor as infrastructure continues to improve in the UK. Construction workers may not be skilled, but they must clean the site, and arrange and dismantle structures and scaffolding. Sometimes, they have to work with heavy construction machinery. They earn up to £23,363.

The UK Third Tier Visa

The UK visa system for immigrants is in five categories. However, these categories apply to different types of immigrants of various classes who can enter the country. They include

1. Tier 1

Tier 1 is for high-value migrants such as investors and entrepreneurs capable of setting up or investing in a business in the UK, graduates with an endorsed business plan.

2. Tier 2

The Tier 2 Visa is the major immigration pathway for skilled workers who want to enter the United Kingdom to take up employment.

3. Tier 3

Tier 3 was formally assigned for unskilled workers to fill specific temporary labor shortages and no longer exists.

4. Tier 4

The Tier 4 Student visa helps students from outside the UK who intend to study for a full-time degree at a university, college, or any other educational institution in the UK.

5. Tier 5

Tier 5 Temporary Work Visa provides working rights to researchers and creative and sports persons. Also, provides an opportunity for charity and religious workers to live in the UK for a certain period.

For unskilled workers, they should focus on the third level of the visa. This type of visa is for people earning less than £25,600. Furthermore, unskilled workers will no longer be able to enter the UK but may continue to work if they meet the following criteria.

1. Their new job must provide a minimum of £25,600 in their annual salary. Unskilled workers who earn below this threshold are only allowed to work in emergency cases.
2. To be eligible for this visa, these applicants must obtain the required score on the assessment test.
3. Unskilled workers must have a promotion certificate.

There is no language requirement for this visa category. However, I recommend applicants to master English language skills when applying for a UK visa, regardless of the requirements. This visa has some advantages, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

The disadvantage of this visa type is that your visa is only valid for 12 months and you are not allowed to bring your spouse or relatives. Lastly, the Tier 3 visa is currently suspended by the UK government. 

Other UK visas

The UK tier visa system covers most work, study, and investment visas. But visitor visas, family visas, and some UK business visas fall outside these five tiers.

Conclusion

However to secure an unskilled job in the United Kingdom with visa sponsorship can be difficult, but not impossible. In addition, I will advise intending applicants to keep applying for jobs on the certified sites. I believe this article has provided enough information to navigate through the step-by-step processes of an unskilled job in the United Kingdom.

If you are interested in securing any unskilled job in the UK, now is the best time to start. Kindly feel free to drop your questions and review.