Gone are the days when you needed a bunch of fancy certificates or special skills to move to the UK and make a decent living. Nowadays, you can arrive in the UK, find a simple job, and start earning a good income, depending on the service you offer.
In this article, we’ll go over 14 jobs that don’t require special skills that you can do in the UK, where to find them, and what to do after you’ve received a job offer. So, let’s jump right in!
1. Hotel Receptionist
Average Salary: £15,298 per year
Working as a hotel receptionist is a solid option if you’re looking for a job in the UK that doesn’t require any qualifications. On average, receptionists earn about £15,298 a year. Their responsibilities include checking guests in and out, providing information about the hotel, and handling customer inquiries. While some hotels might prefer you to know the local language, many are fine with just good English, making it easier for international job seekers.
2. Fruit Picker
Average Salary: £29 per hour
The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of workers in the fruit-picking industry, so you can earn around £29 per hour doing this seasonal job. The work involves harvesting crops, taking care of fruit trees, and generally working outdoors. Foreign nationals can apply for a special visa created by the British government specifically for this role.
3. Server
Average Salary: £22,174 per year
Being a server in the UK can be pretty rewarding, with an average salary of £22,174 per year. This job involves taking orders, serving food and drinks, and making sure customers are happy in cafes and restaurants. While knowing the local language is helpful, strong English communication skills are usually enough.
4. Au Pair
Average Salary: £22,663 per year
As an au pair, you can earn around £22,663 per year. Au pairs live with a host family, look after their children, and help with some light chores. Many au pair positions aren’t paid traditionally, but the host family generally covers your accommodation, meals, and gives you a monthly stipend. It’s a fantastic way to experience cultural exchange and pick up the language.
5. Nanny
Average Salary: £14 per hour
The demand for nannies in the UK has gone up, partly due to the pandemic and the rising cost of childcare. Nannies can earn about £14 an hour by providing essential childcare services. No degree is required, but a genuine love for children and some basic childcare skills are beneficial.
6. Hotel Housekeeper
Average Salary: £23,426 per year
Working as a housekeeper in hotels can be quite fulfilling, with an average salary of £23,426 per year. Housekeepers are responsible for keeping hotel rooms and common areas clean, which includes tasks like vacuuming, changing bed linens, dusting, mopping floors, and sanitizing bathrooms. Basic English is usually sufficient, and formal qualifications are rarely required.
7. Farmhand
Average Salary: £27,316 per year
If you enjoy working outdoors, becoming a farmhand might be an appealing option. Farmhands earn around £27,316 per year by doing tasks such as picking fruit, harvesting crops, feeding livestock, and maintaining the farm. Knowing some of the local language can be useful for communicating with other workers and supervisors.
8. Cleaner
Average Salary: £10.20 per hour
The cleaning industry in the UK is growing, with a projected 5.7% increase in 2023. Cleaners earn about £10.20 an hour, and no formal training or degree is required. The role is crucial in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various settings. Attention to detail and diligence are key qualities for success in this job.
9. Delivery Driver
Average Salary: £11.10 per hour
The UK has a significant shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, and delivery drivers can earn about £11.10 per hour. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a UK driving permit. Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods and products to various destinations, playing a vital role in the logistics industry.
10. Bartender
Average Salary: £10.71 per hour
Bartending in the UK can be an enjoyable and social job, with an average pay of £10.71 per hour. Bartenders mix drinks and help create a lively atmosphere. While no specific certifications are required, knowing a variety of drinks and having good communication skills are advantageous.
11. Barista
Average Salary: £9.98 per hour
The UK’s coffee market is booming, valued at £15 billion annually, which gives baristas a chance to shine. With an average pay of £9.98 per hour, baristas creatively prepare coffee. Although no formal degree is necessary, the ability to make great coffee and provide excellent customer service is essential.
12. Dog Walker
Average Salary: £14 per hour or more
The UK loves pets, and dog walking is a great way to earn money if you enjoy spending time with dogs. You can make around £14 per hour or more. Dog walking requires no certification—just a passion for dogs—making it perfect for beginners or students wanting to earn extra cash. Start by researching or using social media to find clients.
13. Caregiver
Salary varies based on role and experience
Caregivers provide care and support to those who need help with daily activities. Salaries vary depending on the role, experience, and employer. Caregivers may work with the elderly, disabled, or patients in healthcare facilities.
14. Sales Assistant
Pay as negotiated
Being a Sales Assistant might not sound thrilling, but it’s a great opportunity to earn a steady paycheck. Pay varies depending on where you work, with opportunities in boutiques, supermarkets, gadget stores, and food stores. It’s ideal for weekend work and sometimes comes with tips from satisfied customers and commissions on sales. Don’t have sales experience? No worries—training is usually provided.
5 Platforms to Secure Unskilled Jobs in the UK
Before applying for a UK visa, you’ll need to secure a job from an eligible UK employer. Finding these jobs involves some searching, but here are five legitimate platforms to help you out:
- TotalJobs: This site has a database of over a quarter of a million UK-based jobs. It offers excellent filtering options, including commute preferences and salary rates. Job seekers can access quizzes to highlight hidden skills and get personalized salary estimates. The site also provides career advice and well-being articles.
- Reed: A UK-specific job board with nearly 300,000 job listings across different sectors. Its filtering options, like graduate suitability and work-from-home possibilities, make finding relevant positions easier. Reed also offers career advice and educational courses.
- LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn is the go-to social network for professionals, connecting job seekers with employers, colleagues, and industry peers. With over 30 million users in the UK, it hosts numerous job listings across various industries. Users can apply directly to jobs using their profiles and get additional features with a premium membership.
- Glassdoor: Known for its company reviews, Glassdoor offers insights into corporate cultures and work environments. Job seekers can access salary info and benefits details. While the site might be a bit tricky to navigate, its transparency helps applicants make informed choices.
- Indeed: Indeed is one of the largest job boards globally, with over 250 million monthly visitors and 200 million CVs. Its user-friendly interface makes job searching easy, covering a broad range of industries and job types, including full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance positions.
What Next?
Once you’ve secured a suitable job offer from a UK employer, you’re one step closer to migrating to the UK for work. Here’s what you should do next:
- Find the correct visa type: Explore visa options based on your skills and work needs. Common options include the Innovator visa, Skilled-worker visa, and International sportsperson visa.
- Apply for the visa: Prepare the necessary documents for your chosen visa type. Submit the visa application at a local representative office. Processing times can vary.
- Move to the UK: If successful, you’ll get a decision and a vignette sticker on your passport. Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) upon arrival (if applied outside the UK). The BRP is proof of your right to live and work in the UK.
- 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 lets you live in the UK without restrictions and opens the path to citizenship.
Conclusion
Getting a job offer from an eligible UK employer is crucial. After that, you need to choose the right visa and apply to migrate. Planning and execution take time, but it’s worth it. After five years of working in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and live without restrictions. If your goal involves working in the UK, you need a work permit—there’s no way around it!
FAQs
1. Do I need to speak English fluently to get these jobs?
While some jobs might require basic English proficiency, most employers value effective communication in English. Specific roles like hotel receptionist or server mainly require good English skills.
2. How can I find clients for dog walking services?
Start by doing some research in your area and use social media to promote your services. This way, more pet owners will know about your availability.
