Gone are the days when you needed fancy certificates or a ton of skills to migrate to the UK and make a living. These days, you can get to the UK, pick up an easy job, and start earning pretty well, depending on the service you provide.

In this article, I’ve listed 14 jobs unskilled people can do in the UK when they arrive, where to find them, and what to do once you’ve got a job offer. So, sit tight, and let’s dive in!

1. Hotel Receptionist

Average Salary: £15,298 per year

Being a hotel receptionist in the UK is a good option for those looking for a job that doesn’t require qualifications. On average, receptionists make about £15,298 a year. They help guests check in and out, provide info about the hotel, and handle customer questions. While some hotels might want you to know the local language, many just need good English, making it easier for international job seekers.

2. Fruit Picker

Average Salary: £29 per hour

There’s a labor shortage in the UK’s fruit-picking sector, so you can earn around £29 per hour as a fruit picker. This seasonal work is lucrative and involves working outdoors, harvesting crops, and tending to fruit trees. Foreign nationals can apply for a special visa introduced by the British government for this role.

3. Server

Average Salary: £22,174 per year

Working as a server in the UK can be quite rewarding, with an average salary of £22,174 a year. This job involves taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring customer satisfaction in cafes and restaurants. While knowing the local language helps, good English communication skills are often 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, take care of their children, and help with light chores. Though many au pair positions aren’t paid, the host family usually covers your accommodation, meals, and gives a monthly stipend. It’s a great way to experience cultural exchange and learn 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 cost of childcare services. Nannies can earn about £14 an hour, providing essential childcare. No degree is required, but a genuine love for children and some basic childcare skills are helpful.

6. Hotel Housekeeper

Average Salary: £23,426 per year

Housekeeping in hotels can be a fulfilling job, with an average salary of £23,426 annually. Housekeepers keep hotel rooms and common areas clean. Duties include vacuuming, changing bed sheets, dusting, mopping floors, and sanitizing bathrooms. Basic English is usually enough, and formal qualifications are rarely needed.

7. Farmhand

Average Salary: £27,316 per year

If you enjoy outdoor work, becoming a farmhand might be appealing. Farmhands earn around £27,316 per year, doing tasks like picking fruit, harvesting crops, feeding livestock, and maintaining the farm. Knowing some local language can be useful for communication 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 don’t need formal training or a degree. Their 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 big shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers. Delivery drivers earn about £11.10 an hour. You need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a UK driving permit. Delivery drivers transport 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 a fun and social job, with an average pay of £10.71 per hour. Bartenders mix drinks and create a lively atmosphere. No specific certifications are required, but knowing various drinks and having good communication skills are beneficial.

11. Barista

Average Salary: £9.98 per hour

The UK’s coffee market is booming, valued at £15 billion annually, giving baristas a chance to shine. With an average pay of £9.98 per hour, baristas make coffee creatively. While no formal degree is needed, making great coffee and providing excellent customer service are crucial.

12. Dog Walker

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 certificate, 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 needing help with daily activities. Salaries vary based 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. Pay varies based on where you work, with options in boutiques, supermarkets, gadget stores, and food stores. It’s ideal for weekends and comes with a steady paycheck. You might even get tips from happy customers and commissions on sales. No sales experience? Don’t worry, training is provided.

5 Platforms to Secure Unskilled Jobs in the UK

Before you apply for a UK visa, you need to secure a job from an eligible UK employer. Finding these jobs involves a bit of searching, but here are five legitimate platforms to help you out:

5. 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.

4. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is known for its company reviews, offering 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.

3. 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.

2. Reed

Reed is 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.

1. TotalJobs

TotalJobs 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.

What Next?

Securing a suitable job offer from a UK employer is a big step towards migrating to the UK for work. Here are the steps to follow after getting a job offer:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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 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 and reach out to you.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a UK visa?
The required documents depend on the visa type you are applying for. Generally, you’ll need proof of your job offer, a valid passport, financial statements, and other supporting documents