Unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK have gained significant attention in 2025 as the demand for essential workers continues to rise across major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
These roles, often requiring minimal academic qualifications, are becoming a primary source of employment for immigrants seeking to relocate to the UK under various visa programs.
With salaries ranging from £18,000 to as high as £25,000 annually, unskilled cleaning positions offer a valuable opportunity for individuals with limited work experience to start earning while contributing to sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and private households.
One major reason for the surge in unskilled cleaner vacancies in the UK is the high turnover rate in the industry. As more professionals migrate to other roles, cleaning companies are keen to fill these gaps, offering competitive salaries and sometimes even visa sponsorship to attract workers from overseas.
This is particularly true in 2025 as immigration reforms have made it easier for employers to hire foreign workers under the Skilled Worker and Seasonal Worker visa categories, even for roles traditionally considered unskilled.
Another key factor driving demand is the increased emphasis on hygiene following global health concerns in recent years. Hospitals, schools, and corporate organizations now allocate bigger budgets to cleaning and sanitation services, resulting in higher pay structures for workers who can maintain quality standards.
Additionally, residential cleaning companies catering to busy professionals are on the rise, offering lucrative part-time and full-time roles to immigrants looking to establish themselves in the UK.
For instance, a hospital cleaner in London can earn between £10.50 to £12.50 per hour in 2025, while cleaners working night shifts in corporate offices might see rates going as high as £14 per hour.
On a full-time schedule, this easily adds up to £22,000–£25,000 per year. Moreover, the inclusion of overtime pay, weekend bonuses, and holiday rates further boosts annual income, making unskilled cleaning jobs one of the easiest entry points into the UK labor market for foreign workers.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about securing unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK in 2025.
From the basic skills required to the regions offering the highest salaries, visa types available, and the companies currently hiring, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your journey toward employment success in the UK.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
While unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK do not demand advanced academic qualifications, employers expect a certain level of physical ability, reliability, and work ethic from prospective workers. In 2025, the minimum requirements are often quite simple, but they vary slightly depending on whether you’re applying for roles in hospitals, schools, hotels, or private households.
Many cleaning companies provide on-the-job training, so formal experience is not always mandatory. However, having prior exposure to janitorial, housekeeping, or sanitation work can significantly improve your chances of securing a position quickly.
For example, cleaners with at least one year of work experience may start at higher hourly rates, often between £11 and £13 per hour, compared to absolute beginners earning £10 or slightly less.
Physical Stamina and Time Management
Cleaning roles often require workers to stand for long hours, handle cleaning equipment, and sometimes lift moderately heavy items. Therefore, physical stamina is essential.
Additionally, time management skills are critical because cleaners usually work under tight schedules, ensuring offices, classrooms, or hotel rooms are spotless before opening hours.
Communication Skills and Reliability
Although classified as unskilled, these jobs require basic English communication skills, especially for roles in hospitals or schools where you may need to follow health and safety instructions accurately.
Employers also prioritize reliability, as absenteeism directly affects operations. Workers who consistently report on time and follow instructions are often considered for pay raises and longer contracts.
Health and Safety Awareness
In 2025, UK cleaning jobs emphasize compliance with health regulations. Workers must be cautious when handling cleaning chemicals or operating machinery like industrial vacuum cleaners. Many companies now require workers to attend short training on workplace safety, lasting two to three days, before starting the job.
Overall, while the job entry requirements remain minimal, combining reliability, basic English skills, and a willingness to learn can help foreign workers quickly adapt and secure well-paying unskilled cleaning positions in the UK.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
The pay scale for unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK varies widely depending on location. In 2025, cities with higher living costs naturally offer better salaries to attract and retain cleaning staff. London remains the top-paying region, but other cities and counties are rapidly catching up as demand for skilled and unskilled labor increases.
London and Greater London Area
London continues to dominate with hourly rates ranging from £12 to £14 for hospital and corporate cleaning roles. Night shifts and weekend roles often pay even more, sometimes reaching £15 per hour. On average, a full-time cleaner in London can make between £23,000 and £25,000 annually in 2025, especially if they take on overtime shifts.
Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds
These major cities have seen a surge in demand for cleaners in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. Salaries here typically range from £11 to £13 per hour, translating to about £21,000–£23,000 per year for full-time workers.
Since the cost of living in these cities is lower than London, workers often enjoy a better quality of life despite slightly lower wages.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, unskilled cleaners earn around £10.50 to £12 per hour. While salaries may average £20,000–£22,000 annually, workers benefit from affordable housing and lower transportation costs compared to southern England.
The regional differences in pay mean foreign workers should carefully consider not just salaries but also living expenses when deciding where to work in the UK.
For instance, earning £25,000 in London might sound attractive, but accommodation costs could take away a significant portion of your income compared to cities like Manchester or Leeds.
Salary Expectations for Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
In 2025, salary expectations for unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK have improved due to labor shortages and increased health standards across workplaces. On average, cleaners earn between £10 and £13 per hour, with annual salaries typically ranging from £19,000 to £25,000 depending on location, employer, and shift timings.
Full-time and Part-time Pay Rates
Full-time cleaners working 40 hours a week usually earn the higher end of the pay scale, often around £22,000–£25,000 annually in cities like London and Manchester.
Part-time roles pay hourly rates but can still generate decent monthly income for those combining multiple shifts across different employers.
Additional Benefits and Overtime Pay
Many cleaning companies offer overtime pay at rates 1.5 times the normal hourly wage. For example, a cleaner earning £12 per hour on regular days might receive £18 per hour on holidays or Sundays. Annual income can therefore exceed £26,000 for workers taking advantage of extra shifts.
Comparison Between Private and Public Sector Roles
Public institutions like hospitals and schools often provide stable contracts with paid leave, sick days, and pension contributions, whereas private companies might pay higher hourly wages but offer fewer benefits. For foreign workers planning long-term relocation, public sector jobs may provide greater job security despite slightly lower wages.
Visa Types and Options for Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
In 2025, one of the most frequently asked questions by foreign workers seeking unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK revolves around visa sponsorship. The UK government, facing labor shortages across several low-skilled sectors, has introduced pathways for workers outside the country to legally live and work in the UK.
These visa options are particularly vital for cleaners who want not only a job but also a chance at long-term residency if they wish to build a career in the country.
Skilled Worker Visa for Unskilled Roles
While the Skilled Worker visa primarily caters to professions in healthcare, IT, and engineering, certain cleaning roles in hospitals and care homes may qualify if they are linked to health support services.
Employers in this category sometimes extend sponsorships to cleaners if the role is essential to operations, particularly in high-demand areas like elder care facilities where hygiene standards are critical.
The visa requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer and usually includes proof of English proficiency, though exceptions apply for certain low-wage roles. Salaries for sponsored workers under this visa typically start at £20,480 per year, though cleaners in high-demand areas often exceed this threshold.
Seasonal Worker Visa
The Seasonal Worker visa, traditionally used for agricultural roles, has recently been expanded to include other short-term labor needs in some regions.
Cleaning companies facing temporary labor shortages, especially during tourist seasons, may recruit workers under this visa category for contracts lasting up to six months. Hourly pay for such roles in 2025 ranges between £10.50 and £12.50, with accommodation sometimes provided by employers.
Temporary Worker Visa (T5)
Under the T5 visa scheme, employers can hire overseas workers for short-term positions, including roles in cleaning services. This visa suits individuals seeking UK work experience without immediate plans for permanent relocation.
Salaries often mirror standard rates, between £19,000 and £22,000 annually for full-time employment, making it a decent option for first-time job seekers in the UK labor market.
Family and Dependent Visas
Foreign nationals already in the UK under student or skilled worker visas often find unskilled cleaning jobs as dependents. These individuals may work up to 20 hours per week if on a student visa or full-time if on a dependent visa, earning similar wages to other workers in the cleaning sector.
By 2025, with immigration rules relaxing for labor-intensive industries, visa sponsorship for unskilled cleaners is expected to grow further, especially in healthcare and hospitality sectors that face chronic staffing shortages.
How to Secure Unskilled Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Securing unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK requires a proactive approach, particularly for immigrants applying from overseas. While minimal qualifications are needed, competition can be intense in high-paying regions like London or Manchester. Fortunately, several strategies can improve your chances of landing a job quickly, even without prior UK work experience.
Researching Job Markets Before Arrival
Foreign workers are advised to research the UK labor market in advance. Websites like Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs frequently advertise cleaning vacancies, often mentioning whether visa sponsorship is available.
Comparing salaries across regions helps workers target locations offering better pay packages. For example, in 2025, London-based cleaning roles often pay £2–£3 per hour more than rural areas.
Contacting Licensed UK Employers
Only UK employers licensed by the Home Office can sponsor foreign workers under visa programs. Many healthcare trusts, hotel chains, and large cleaning companies maintain such licenses.
Applicants should directly approach HR departments of these organizations rather than relying solely on third-party recruitment agencies, which may charge unnecessary fees.
Applying for Entry-Level Positions First
While some employers prefer experienced cleaners, many are willing to train new recruits. Beginners can start with entry-level roles paying around £10.50 per hour, gaining experience before moving into better-paying positions like industrial cleaning, which often pays £12–£14 per hour in 2025.
Using Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Immigration
Certain UK-based recruitment agencies specialize in hiring foreign workers for low-skilled roles. Agencies such as Blue Arrow, Manpower UK, and Berry Recruitment frequently assist immigrants with paperwork, training, and placement into cleaning roles across various regions.
Preparing Essential Documents
Applicants should keep a valid passport, work visa documents, proof of English language skills (if required), and references from previous employers ready. Faster document submission often leads to quicker job offers, especially for employers facing urgent staffing needs.
By adopting these steps, foreign workers can significantly boost their chances of securing well-paying unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK and potentially gain pathways for permanent residency through long-term employment.
Companies Hiring Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
Several companies in the UK will actively recruit unskilled cleaners in 2025, offering competitive pay, benefits, and in some cases, visa sponsorship for overseas applicants. Understanding which employers dominate the market helps job seekers focus their applications where opportunities are plentiful.
NHS Trusts and Healthcare Providers
The National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers of cleaners in the UK. Hospitals, clinics, and care homes require strict hygiene standards, making cleaning staff essential to daily operations. NHS cleaners typically earn between £10.80 and £12.50 per hour, with additional pay for night and weekend shifts. Some NHS trusts also provide accommodation for overseas recruits.
Hotel and Hospitality Chains
Global hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Premier Inn consistently hire cleaners for housekeeping roles across the UK. In 2025, wages for hotel cleaners range between £11 and £13 per hour, with free meals or discounted accommodation often included as perks.
Commercial Cleaning Companies
Companies such as Mitie, ISS UK, and OCS Group dominate the commercial cleaning sector, servicing office buildings, shopping malls, and airports. Salaries here average £21,000–£24,000 annually for full-time staff, with opportunities for overtime pay pushing earnings beyond £25,000 in busy urban centers.
Educational Institutions and Local Councils
Schools, colleges, and universities regularly employ cleaners on both part-time and full-time contracts. Pay rates in this sector range from £10.50 to £12 per hour, and many institutions offer term-time contracts, giving workers holidays off while still earning competitive wages.
By focusing on these employers, foreign workers can find stable jobs with clear career progression opportunities, even within unskilled roles.
Employment Websites to Find Unskilled Cleaning Jobs in the UK
In 2025, online job portals remain the primary gateway for securing unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK. These platforms not only list vacancies but also allow applicants to filter roles by salary, region, and visa sponsorship availability.
Indeed UK and Reed UK
Indeed UK and Reed are among the most popular platforms listing thousands of cleaning vacancies daily. Many employers clearly indicate if visa sponsorship is available, making it easier for foreign workers to apply directly without intermediaries.
Totaljobs and CV-Library
Totaljobs and CV-Library feature a wide range of low-skilled roles, including part-time and full-time cleaning positions. Salary filters allow applicants to focus on higher-paying roles in cities like London and Birmingham, where hourly wages often exceed £12.
NHS Jobs Portal
For healthcare-related cleaning roles, the NHS Jobs website provides direct access to vacancies across hospitals and clinics. Most listings here include detailed pay scales, contract lengths, and shift patterns, ensuring transparency for applicants.
Company Career Pages
Many large cleaning companies like Mitie and ISS UK maintain career sections on their official websites. Applicants can apply directly, reducing the risk of scams or unnecessary agency fees.
By leveraging these platforms, foreign workers can compare salaries, check employer reviews, and submit multiple applications simultaneously, increasing their chances of securing well-paying unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK.
