The United Kingdom is a popular destination for workers from all over the world, offering job opportunities across a wide range of industries. Even without formal qualifications or specialized skills, there are many roles unskilled individuals can pursue to establish themselves.
With a growing demand for labor in several sectors, unskilled workers play an essential role in keeping the UK economy running smoothly. Here’s a detailed look at 14 jobs unskilled people can do when they arrive in the UK in 2025.
1. Warehouse Operative
Warehouse operatives handle sorting, packing, and shipping goods in distribution centers. Many companies, such as Amazon and Tesco, offer entry-level roles that include on-the-job training.
- Skills Needed: Basic physical fitness and attention to detail.
- Earnings: £10–£14 per hour.
2. Farm Worker
Agriculture jobs, such as planting, harvesting, and animal care, are always in demand. Seasonal work is common, and farms often provide accommodation.
- Skills Needed: Physical stamina and willingness to work outdoors.
- Earnings: £9–£12 per hour.
3. Care Assistant
Care assistants provide support to elderly or disabled individuals in residential care homes or their own homes. Employers often provide training and certifications for this role.
- Skills Needed: Compassion, patience, and good communication skills.
- Earnings: £10–£15 per hour.
4. Cleaner
Cleaners are needed in homes, offices, hospitals, and public spaces. This job typically requires little to no prior experience.
- Skills Needed: Attention to detail and time management.
- Earnings: £9–£12 per hour.
5. Kitchen Assistant
Kitchen assistants work in restaurants, hotels, and fast-food outlets, helping with food preparation and cleaning tasks. Many employers offer flexible hours.
- Skills Needed: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Earnings: £9–£11 per hour.
6. Delivery Driver
With the growth of online shopping, delivery drivers are in high demand. Companies like Amazon, Royal Mail, and Uber Eats regularly hire workers for package or food delivery.
- Skills Needed: A valid driver’s license and knowledge of local roads.
- Earnings: £10–£15 per hour.
7. Construction Laborer
Construction sites require general laborers to assist with tasks like moving materials, setting up equipment, and cleaning up worksites.
- Skills Needed: Physical strength and basic safety awareness.
- Earnings: £11–£15 per hour.
8. Hospitality Staff
Roles such as waitstaff, bartenders, and hotel porters are available in the hospitality industry. Training is often provided on-site.
- Skills Needed: Good customer service and teamwork.
- Earnings: £9–£12 per hour, plus tips.
9. Security Guard
Security guards are hired to monitor properties, events, and public areas. While some roles require specific licenses, entry-level positions may not.
- Skills Needed: Reliability and attention to detail.
- Earnings: £10–£13 per hour.
10. Retail Assistant
Retail assistants work in supermarkets, clothing stores, and other retail outlets, handling tasks such as stocking shelves, assisting customers, and operating tills.
- Skills Needed: Communication and basic math.
- Earnings: £9–£11 per hour.
11. Recycling Operative
Recycling operatives sort and process recyclable materials at waste management facilities. This is a growing field as sustainability initiatives expand.
- Skills Needed: Physical endurance and teamwork.
- Earnings: £9–£12 per hour.
12. Factory Worker
Factories hire workers for assembly lines, packaging, and machine operation. Most roles require no experience, as training is provided.
- Skills Needed: Ability to follow instructions and repetitive tasks.
- Earnings: £9–£13 per hour.
13. Porter
Porters assist in hospitals, hotels, and airports by moving luggage, equipment, or patients. This role is crucial in ensuring operations run smoothly.
- Skills Needed: Basic physical fitness and customer service.
- Earnings: £9–£11 per hour.
14. Groundskeeper
Groundskeepers maintain parks, gardens, and public spaces, handling tasks like mowing lawns, planting flowers, and clearing debris.
- Skills Needed: Ability to work outdoors and basic landscaping skills.
- Earnings: £9–£12 per hour.
Tips for Finding Unskilled Jobs in the UK
- Job Portals: Use platforms like Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs to search for entry-level roles.
- Recruitment Agencies: Agencies often specialize in placing unskilled workers in roles quickly.
- Networking: Connect with community groups or other immigrants for job leads.
- Direct Applications: Visit local businesses to inquire about job openings.
- Work Rights: Ensure you have the correct visa or work authorization for the job.
Conclusion
The UK offers numerous opportunities for unskilled workers, especially in industries such as hospitality, construction, and healthcare. By leveraging available resources and being open to entry-level roles, unskilled individuals can quickly find work and establish a foothold in the UK. With determination and a proactive approach, these jobs can serve as a stepping stone toward career growth and long-term stability.