The United Kingdom continues to face a significant labour shortage across key sectors such as logistics, healthcare support, hospitality, agriculture, cleaning, construction, and retail. This shortage has created thousands of opportunities for foreign nationals who want to work in the UK without a university degree.
These jobs are referred to as “unskilled” or “low-skilled” roles, but they often come with high salaries, overtime bonuses, relocation packages, and in some cases visa sponsorship. Many employers are willing to recruit applicants directly from overseas
What are Unskilled Jobs
The term “unskilled jobs” doesn’t mean the work is easy — it simply means you don’t need a university degree or advanced professional certification to qualify.
Most of these jobs require:
- Basic English communication
- Physical strength or stamina
- Willingness to work shifts
- Ability to follow instructions
- A good attitude and reliability
Many roles offer training, meaning you can start from zero experience and build a long-term career.
For foreign applicants, these jobs are especially attractive because they offer:
- High salaries compared to developing countries
- Visa sponsorship opportunities
- Free or subsidised accommodation
- Permanent residency pathway (ILR) after 5 years
- Opportunities for career advancement
Top 10 High-Paying Unskilled Jobs in the UK You Can Get Without a Degree
Let’s carefully highlight some of the top 10 high-paying unskilled jobs in the country for international applicants
- Warehouse Operative (Logistics & Distribution)
Warehouse jobs are among the most in-demand in the UK due to the rise of e-commerce and supply chain expansion.
Salary Range:
- £11 – £14 per hour
- Up to £28,000 per year with overtime
What You’ll Do:
- Picking and packing orders
- Loading and unloading goods
- Inventory checking
- Operating machinery (training provided)
Why It’s High-Paying for Unskilled Workers
Warehouse roles often include:
- Night shift bonuses
- Overtime multipliers
- Free or subsidised accommodation
- Visa sponsorship for certain employers
- Care Assistant / Support Worker
Care roles are booming due to the UK’s ageing population.
Salary Range:
- £21,000 – £27,000 per year
- Up to £32,000 with overtime
Responsibilities:
- Assisting elderly or disabled individuals
- Helping with meals, grooming, and mobility
- Providing companionship
Why It’s Popular
Many UK care homes offer:
- Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship
- Free training
- Free accommodation for the first 1–3 months
- Construction Labourer
You do not need a degree to work in UK construction. Many sites train workers on the job.
Salary Range:
- £12 – £18 per hour
- Annual earnings: £25,000 – £35,000
Responsibilities:
- Site preparation
- Assisting skilled workers
- Carrying materials
- Basic machinery operation
Why It Pays Well
Construction has labour shortages, and workers often earn extra through:
- Hazard allowances
- Weekend pay
- Night shifts
- Delivery Driver (Amazon, DPD, Royal Mail)
If you have a valid driving licence, delivery work is a high-paying unskilled job with flexible hours.
Salary Range:
- £100 – £150 per day
- Annual earnings: £26,000 – £32,000
Responsibilities:
- Deliver packages
- Scan and sort items
- Follow GPS routes
Why It’s Attractive to Foreigners
Some companies cover:
- Car rental
- Petrol allowance
- Accommodation for new workers
- Hotel Housekeeping & Hospitality Assistant
Hotels, restaurants, and resorts hire thousands of foreign workers yearly.
Salary Range:
- £19,000 – £25,000 per year
- Extra pay through tips & overtime
What You’ll Do:
- Cleaning rooms
- Assisting guests
- Supporting kitchen operations
Benefits
- Free meals
- Free uniforms
- Staff accommodation (common in hotels)
- Farm Worker / Agricultural Labourer
Farm jobs do not require a degree and often offer free housing.
Salary Range:
- £10.50 – £12.50 per hour
- Annual earnings: £22,000 – £29,000
Responsibilities:
- Harvesting crops
- Feeding animals
- Operating farm tools (training provided)
What Makes It Attractive
- Seasonal Worker Visa available
- Employers often offer free accommodation
- Cleaning Jobs (Commercial & Residential)
Cleaning roles are available across hotels, airports, offices, and private homes.
Salary Range:
- £10.50 – £14 per hour
- Annual earnings: £22,000 – £28,000
Why It’s Popular
- No experience needed
- Flexible shifts
- Free accommodation in some contracts
- Retail Sales Assistant
Retail roles are common and offer stable income.
Salary Range:
- £20,000 – £26,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assisting customers
- Managing shelves
- Handling payments
Why It’s Good for Immigrants
- Easy entry-level job
- Training provided
- Free staff discounts
- Food Production & Factory Worker
Factories are desperately hiring foreign workers, especially in food processing and packaging.
Salary Range:
- £11 – £13 per hour
- Annual earnings: £23,000 – £30,000
Job Duties:
- Packing food items
- Operating machines
- Quality control
Benefits
- Free meals
- Free shift transportation
- Overtime bonuses
- Security Officer (Entry-Level)
Security jobs do not require a degree. You only need the SIA certificate, which many companies sponsor.
Salary Range:
- £22,000 – £32,000 per year
- Higher for night shifts
Responsibilities:
- Monitoring CCTV
- Guarding premises
- Checking visitors
Why It’s High-Paying
Security roles offer:
- Shift allowances
- Free accommodation at some sites
- Sponsored SIA training
How to Get the Job as a Foreigner
While not all unskilled jobs qualify for sponsorship, many employers now offer visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Work Visa.
You may qualify if:
- You have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- The salary meets the Home Office threshold
- You can speak basic English
- You meet health and character requirements
Industries most likely to sponsor:
- Healthcare support
- Warehousing
- Food production
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Security
Potential Earnings without a Degree in UK
Below is a summary table of expected earnings:
| Job Role | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
| Warehouse Operative | £22,000 – £28,000 | £11–£14 |
| Care Assistant | £21,000 – £32,000 | £10.50–£14 |
| Construction Labourer | £25,000 – £35,000 | £12–£18 |
| Delivery Driver | £26,000 – £32,000 | £100–£150/day |
| Housekeeping | £19,000 – £25,000 | £10–£12 |
| Farm Worker | £22,000 – £29,000 | £10.50–£12.50 |
| Cleaner | £22,000 – £28,000 | £10.50–£14 |
| Retail Assistant | £20,000 – £26,000 | £10–£12 |
| Factory Worker | £23,000 – £30,000 | £11–£13 |
| Security Officer | £22,000 – £32,000 | £11–£16 |
These salaries can increase with overtime, shift allowances, bonuses, and free accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can foreigners get unskilled jobs in the UK?
Yes. Many UK employers actively hire international applicants due to labour shortages.
- Do unskilled jobs offer visa sponsorship?
Some do — especially care, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction roles.
- Do I need work experience?
Not always. Many jobs provide full training.
- How much can I earn without a degree in the UK?
Foreign workers can earn £20,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the role.
- Can these jobs lead to permanent residency?
Yes — if you secure a job under the Skilled Worker Visa, you may qualify for ILR after 5 years.
- Do employers offer free accommodation?
Some do, especially in warehousing, care homes, hospitality, and farming.
- What is the minimum age requirement?
Most employers require applicants to be 18 years or older.
- How do I avoid scams?
Apply only through verified job portals and never pay agents for visa sponsorship.
Conclusion
The UK remains one of the best destinations for foreign workers seeking high-paying jobs without a university degree.
With thousands of vacancies across multiple sectors, international applicants — especially those from developing countries — now have a real opportunity to build a successful career, gain valuable work experience, and relocate legally through visa sponsorship programs.
