Jobs for Unskilled Workers in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025/2026

The demand for unskilled jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship continues to rise in 2025/2026, especially in key industries like agriculture, food processing, hospitality, cleaning, and warehouse operations. Workers from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa can apply for a UK work permit, earn competitive wages, and access essential benefits like health insurance. With proper guidance from an immigration lawyer in the UK, many are able to build a credit score, open a UK savings account, and start exploring basic investment options tailored to newcomers. These financial steps not only promote long-term stability but also help workers prepare for permanent residency in the UK.

For foreigners seeking an opportunity to move to the UK, these jobs provide a crucial entry point into one of the world’s strongest economies.

Employers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are opening recruitment channels to foreign workers because of ongoing labor shortages, particularly in low-skilled but high-demand roles.

While many professionals assume that only highly qualified individuals can secure UK visa sponsorship, the reality is different. Thousands of companies are actively sponsoring unskilled foreign workers, making it possible to obtain legal employment while earning competitive wages that often exceed salaries in many other countries.

With pay structures ranging between £10.50 and £15 per hour depending on region and sector, unskilled jobs can provide a solid foundation for migrants who wish to support themselves and their families.

This article provides an in-depth guide to the opportunities available, the regions that pay the most, salary expectations, visa options, and the practical steps to secure employment in 2025/2026.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

One of the most appealing aspects of unskilled jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship is that they do not require advanced qualifications. Unlike skilled or professional visa routes, most of these roles demand basic abilities and a willingness to work diligently.

Employers prioritize reliability, punctuality, and physical stamina over academic achievements. For instance, agricultural workers on UK farms are expected to perform manual tasks such as planting, harvesting, and packing produce.

Experience is not always necessary, but workers who have previously handled farming tools or machinery may earn slightly higher wages. On average, entry-level farmworkers earn between £21,000 and £25,000 annually, which increases if overtime hours are included.

In the hospitality sector, unskilled positions such as kitchen assistants, hotel cleaners, and waitstaff are always in demand. While language proficiency is not strictly required, having basic English skills can help workers communicate better with supervisors and customers.

Salaries in hospitality typically range between £20,000 and £23,000 per year, but employees can earn additional income through service charges and overtime. Construction-related roles, such as general laborers or site cleaners, require physical strength and the ability to follow safety protocols.

No formal education is needed, though workers who can handle tools safely may secure higher pay. Average earnings for construction helpers range from £11 to £13 per hour, amounting to £23,000–£26,000 annually.

Ultimately, the main requirements for unskilled jobs in the UK are flexibility, commitment, and a readiness to adapt. Employers are less concerned with educational backgrounds and more focused on whether candidates are dependable and able to meet the physical and time demands of the job.

For migrants, this means that even without prior experience, one can still find rewarding opportunities that provide visa sponsorship and stable income.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

The UK’s pay scale for unskilled workers is not uniform. Regional differences strongly influence earnings, with London and the South East generally offering the highest salaries due to higher living costs.

For foreign workers, understanding these variations is crucial when considering relocation, as wages can differ significantly from one area to another.

In London, unskilled jobs such as cleaners, kitchen assistants, and warehouse workers typically start at £12 per hour, which is higher than the national minimum wage.

Annual salaries often range between £25,000 and £28,000, and many workers take advantage of overtime opportunities to push earnings above £30,000. However, it is important to note that rent and daily expenses in London are higher compared to other UK cities.

In the South East of England, regions such as Kent, Surrey, and Sussex offer competitive pay structures for agricultural and hospitality workers.

Farm laborers in Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” earn between £11.50 and £13 per hour during peak harvest seasons. Hospitality roles in Brighton and coastal towns are also well-paid, with full-time cleaners and kitchen staff earning up to £24,000 per year.

Scotland presents attractive opportunities for foreign workers, particularly in the food processing and packaging industries.

Unskilled workers in Scottish factories can expect average annual salaries of £22,000 to £25,000, with rural farms in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire offering similar pay levels. Additionally, the lower cost of living in Scotland makes it an attractive alternative to southern England.

Northern Ireland and Wales also employ significant numbers of foreign unskilled workers, particularly in agriculture and warehouse operations. Salaries here are slightly lower, averaging £20,000–£22,000 annually, but the affordability of housing and general expenses balances the equation for many migrants.

When choosing a location, workers should weigh the salary against the cost of living. Although London pays the most, regions like Scotland or Wales often allow foreign workers to save more due to cheaper living costs, making them attractive options for those looking to maximize their earnings while working under UK visa sponsorship.

Salary Expectations for Unskilled Workers in the UK

For 2025/2026, the salary expectations for unskilled workers in the UK are promising, especially given the increase in minimum wage and employers’ struggle to fill vacancies.

The UK government has raised the National Minimum Wage to £11.44 per hour for workers aged 21 and above, ensuring that even entry-level unskilled roles provide a stable income.

Farmworkers, one of the largest categories of unskilled employment, typically earn between £21,000 and £25,000 per year. Seasonal harvest workers may earn higher wages during peak months, sometimes exceeding £13 per hour. For individuals working overtime, annual incomes can easily surpass £27,000.

In warehouses and logistics centers, packers, loaders, and order pickers earn between £22,000 and £26,000 annually. Larger distribution hubs operated by major retailers such as Tesco or Amazon often pay closer to £28,000, especially for night shifts.

Hospitality jobs are another strong source of unskilled employment. Housekeepers, cleaners, and kitchen assistants earn average salaries of £20,000 to £23,000 per year. In London, the same roles can provide incomes exceeding £25,000, with additional income from tips and bonuses.

Construction helpers and general laborers, who are often sponsored due to the UK’s shortage of domestic workers in the building industry, earn hourly rates of £11 to £13. This amounts to £23,000–£26,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings if employed in London or on large-scale projects.

Overall, unskilled workers can expect to earn between £20,000 and £28,000 annually in 2025/2026, depending on the role, region, and hours worked.

For foreign workers, these salaries not only cover living expenses but also allow for remittances to families back home, making unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship an attractive and practical option.

Visa Types and Options for Unskilled Workers in the UK

Securing employment in the UK as an unskilled worker requires understanding the visa options available. While the UK immigration system has traditionally prioritized skilled workers, new labor shortages in agriculture, food production, and hospitality have opened legal pathways for foreign nationals who want to move and work under sponsorship.

Seasonal Worker Visa

The Seasonal Worker visa is one of the most accessible options for unskilled laborers in 2025/2026. This visa allows foreigners to work in the UK for up to six months in roles related to horticulture and poultry farming.

Workers employed under this scheme earn an average of £21,000 to £25,000 annually if fully employed during the visa’s period. Employers provide sponsorship, which covers the worker’s eligibility to enter and work legally.

Temporary Worker

Some unskilled workers can also enter the UK on a Temporary Worker visa under charity or service-based categories. These are less common but allow individuals to take unskilled roles in care, maintenance, or agricultural support. Salaries for temporary workers average £20,000 to £22,000 annually, depending on hours worked.

Skilled Worker Visa in Unskilled Roles

Interestingly, certain unskilled roles are included in the Skilled Worker visa shortage list. For example, care assistants and some food processing staff qualify under this route, even though they do not require advanced education. Salaries for these roles must meet the threshold of £23,040 annually or £11.10 per hour.

Sponsorship Requirements

To qualify for a visa, workers need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer. This certificate proves that the job is genuine and that the employer is authorized by the UK Home Office to hire foreign workers.

Sponsorship often includes partial or full coverage of visa costs, though many workers must pay their own application and health surcharge fees.

For unskilled foreign workers, the Seasonal Worker visa remains the easiest path, but as demand continues in healthcare support, logistics, and agriculture, more unskilled positions are being added to the Skilled Worker visa route.

How to Secure Unskilled Jobs in the UK

Getting an unskilled job in the UK with visa sponsorship requires preparation and persistence. Many foreign applicants underestimate the competition, but following the right steps can increase the chances of success.

Preparing Your Application

Employers often receive hundreds of applications, so even for unskilled roles, candidates should present a clear CV highlighting reliability, work ethic, and flexibility. Including prior experience in farming, cleaning, or warehouse operations, even in your home country, increases credibility.

Language and Communication

While English fluency is not mandatory, having at least conversational English skills improves employment chances.

Workers who can follow instructions, read safety guidelines, and communicate with team members are often preferred and may be paid slightly higher. For example, farmhands who understand safety instructions can earn £12.50 per hour compared to £11.44 minimum wage.

Recruitment Agencies and Direct Applications

Most unskilled workers secure jobs in the UK through recruitment agencies partnered with licensed sponsors.

Agencies such as Concordia UK specialize in seasonal farm recruitment, while large companies like Amazon and Tesco recruit directly. Applying directly to company websites often increases chances of visa sponsorship.

Demonstrating Flexibility

Employers prioritize candidates willing to work shifts, weekends, and overtime. Warehouse workers who accept night shifts can earn £2–£3 more per hour compared to standard daytime roles, pushing annual salaries closer to £28,000.

Steps to Take

• Prepare a UK-style CV and cover letter.
• Apply directly to UK licensed sponsor companies.
• Register with recruitment agencies offering sponsorship.
• Be prepared for remote interviews or skills checks.
• Show flexibility in location and working hours.

By carefully preparing and targeting employers known to sponsor visas, foreign applicants increase their chances of securing stable employment and maximizing their income potential in the UK.

Companies Hiring Unskilled Workers in the UK

Several UK-based companies are actively sponsoring unskilled foreign workers in 2025/2026, primarily due to labor shortages. These organizations span agriculture, food processing, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare support.

Agriculture and Farming Companies

Farm owners in Kent, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire hire thousands of seasonal workers annually under visa sponsorship programs. Poultry farms and fruit-picking companies offer salaries ranging from £21,000 to £25,000 annually, depending on hours worked.

Hospitality and Cleaning Firms

Hotels and cleaning contractors in London, Manchester, and Birmingham sponsor foreign workers for housekeeping and kitchen assistant roles. Wages start at £20,000 annually but can rise above £25,000 in London.

Logistics and Warehousing Employers

Major distribution companies sponsor warehouse pickers, packers, and loaders. For example:

• Amazon UK: Recruits for warehouse operatives with starting salaries around £25,000 annually.
• Tesco Distribution Centers: Hire foreign workers with average pay of £23,000 to £27,000 annually.

Food Processing and Packaging Companies

Large factories in Scotland and Northern Ireland sponsor foreign workers for packaging and processing roles. These jobs pay between £22,000 and £26,000 annually, depending on shift patterns.

Care and Support Roles

Although technically under the Skilled Worker route, care homes and NHS contractors hire foreigners for care assistant jobs, which are essentially unskilled. Salaries average £23,000 to £25,000 annually, with accommodation sometimes provided.

By targeting these companies, foreign applicants increase their chances of finding direct sponsorship and stable income in the UK.

Employment Websites to Find Unskilled Jobs in the UK

Finding unskilled jobs in the UK requires knowing the right platforms where licensed sponsors advertise vacancies. Several websites are specialized in connecting foreign workers with UK employers willing to provide sponsorship.

UK Government Website

The official UK Government Licensed Sponsors list is updated regularly and contains the names of all employers legally allowed to sponsor foreign workers. Applicants should always cross-check job offers with this list.

International Job Portals

Websites such as Indeed UK, Glassdoor, and Totaljobs frequently list unskilled vacancies with visa sponsorship tags. Salaries posted range between £21,000 and £28,000 annually depending on role and location.

Sector-Specific Platforms

• Concordia UK: focused on seasonal farm work and horticultural sponsorships.
• Agricultural Recruitment UK: specialized in farm and rural industry placements.
• Reed UK: often posts hospitality and cleaning roles with sponsorship.

Recruitment Agencies

Foreign workers can also apply through agencies such as Staffline Group or Blue Arrow, which work directly with employers in agriculture, warehousing, and food production. Salaries typically align with national averages, but agencies often provide additional support with visa processing.

By using these websites and agencies, applicants can directly target roles that guarantee sponsorship. Combining online applications with direct company outreach significantly improves the chances of securing a UK visa and employment in 2025/2026.