Work in the UK
Work in the UK has recently become one of the popular methods for immigration to the UK through work.
England’s strong economy and high quality of life attract many skilled individuals. To work in the UK, securing a job offer and applying for a visa—like the Skilled Worker Visa—is essential. In-demand fields include IT, healthcare, finance, and engineering, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 annually. Understanding UK job requirements, labor laws, and visa rules is key to a successful move.
For guidance, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers shortly.
Job Market in the UK
The job market in the UK, given the advanced economy of this country and the increasing need for skilled labor in areas such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and education, has created extensive job opportunities. Individuals with professional expertise and work experience can find a good position in this dynamic market.
To successfully enter the UK job market, having English language skills, a valid educational degree, and obtaining a work visa such as the Skilled Worker Visa is essential. This type of visa is considered one of the common migration paths to England for work. Additionally, familiarity with employment laws in the UK and job searching methods in London can facilitate the hiring process.
Labor Law in the UK
The UK has a clear legal framework protecting employee and employer rights, covering wages, working hours, leave, contracts, and job safety. In 2025, the minimum wage is £11.44/hour for workers over 23. All employees, including migrants, receive at least 28 days of paid holiday, sick leave, and up to 52 weeks maternity leave.
The workweek is capped at 48 hours unless agreed otherwise, with mandatory breaks and rest periods. Employers must provide written job details within two months and enroll eligible staff in pension plans. The legal working age is 16, with special protections for under-18 workers.
Conditions for Working in the UK
To work in the UK, applicants must meet specific conditions. The most important requirements and conditions for working in the UK include the following:
- Receive a job offer from a reputable employer in the UK
- A relevant academic qualification
- An English language qualification (usually IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5)
- Obtain a valid work visa such as a Skilled Worker Visa
- No criminal record and provide a medical health certificate
- Sufficient financial means to cover the basic living expenses in the UK
Types of Work Visas in the UK
To work in the UK, you need a UK work visa. To obtain this visa, you need financial sponsorship from an English employer and a job offer. Currently, the work visa for the UK is not available for ordinary or low-skilled jobs, so entry into Britain through regular, temporary, or low-skilled work is not possible.
To work in the UK, you must secure a job offer in a skilled field and qualify under the UK points-based system. The most common route is the Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa. The UK offers two main work visa types: short-term visas (Tier 5) for temporary roles and long-term visas (Tier 2) for permanent employment, each with several subcategories.
| Short-Term Work Visas (TIER 5) | Long-Term Work Visas (TIER 2) |
|---|---|
| Charity Worker Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
| Creative and Sporting Visa | Intra-company Transfer Visa |
| Government Authorised Exchange Visa | Minister of Religion Visa |
| International Agreement Visa | Sportsperson Visa |
| Religious Worker Visa | |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | |
| Youth Mobility Scheme Visa |
Ways to Work in the UK
Applicants who intend to work in the UK should know that working in the UK is possible through several methods, including:
- Work in the UK through Skilled Worker
The UK’s Skilled Worker Program is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world to fill vacant job positions in the UK. This work visa is known as the Tier 2 work visa and is an important part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.
To get a UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants need a job offer from a licensed UK employer with a valid sponsor license. The job must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or higher) and salary threshold. Applicants must prove English proficiency and earn at least 70 points in the UK points-based system. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer is also required to confirm the job offer meets visa requirements.
- Work in the UK through Tier 5 Temporary Work
This program is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and offers various categories under which individuals can apply, each with its specific conditions.
- Category One: Youth Mobility Scheme
- Category Two: Sports Visa
- Category Three: Government Approved Exchange Visa
- Category Four: International Agreement Visa
- Category Five: Religious Worker Visa
- Work in the UK with Global Talent
The UK Global Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals in science, research, academia, and technology. Replacing the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, it offers a flexible route to live and work in the UK while contributing to its innovation sector.
Applicants must show exceptional talent or promise in a qualifying field, receive endorsement from a UK-approved body, meet English language criteria, and have adequate financial resources. The visa allows up to 5 years of stay with options to extend or apply for permanent residency.
- Work in the UK after graduation
International students who graduate from UK universities can apply for the UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route), allowing them to stay and work for up to two years after completing their degree. This visa offers a great chance to gain UK work experience and possibly secure long-term employment.
To qualify, applicants must have a degree from a recognized UK institution, meet English language and financial requirements, and ideally have a job offer from a licensed UK employer.
- UK Self-Sponsorship Route
An individual with an active business intends to expand their business to the UK and continue operating through UK Self-Sponsorship Visa. In this scenario, the individual must either own or manage the business and must be actively involved in connection with their English business throughout their stay in England.
Or in the absence of an active business, the applicant intends to travel to England and start and register a new business. In this case, their work is not necessarily linked to a foreign business. The individual must not only establish the company but also work within it and receive a salary to obtain a work visa.
One of the important requirements is that the individual must have an innovative idea, a strong business plan, and the ability to present a credible proposal. Moreover, after registering the company, they must employ an English person to act as a sponsor and facilitate the hiring of foreign workers.
Documents Required for Working in the UK
Please ensure that all required documents are translated into English and stamped by the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Justice. Below is a list of the documents required for a UK work visa:
- Sponsor reference number of the person
- IELTS English language certificate with an average score
- Bank statement confirming the required financial means, or proof of financial support from the person.
- Valid and expired passport with at least one blank page. (If the applicant’s passport has expired, it must also be ready to be presented.)
- Health certificate from a certified doctor
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Translation of all documents you have prepared to submit into English
- University academic certificates with transcripts
- All documents and work history (CV)
- Identity documents (ID card, passport, marriage certificate, etc.)
Steps for Working Migration to the UK
For working in the UK, obtaining a work permit is done through the points-based system known as Tier. UK work permits are divided into different categories that include short-term visas (Tier 5) and long-term visas (Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa).
The first step for working migration to the UK is to obtain a valid job offer from an English employer. After that, the following steps must be taken:
- Preparing relevant educational qualifications and work history
- Finding a reputable employer or company in the UK
- Submitting documents and receiving an official job offer
- Participating in the points system and obtaining the required threshold for a Tier 2 visa
- Obtaining a UK work visa and entering the country legally for work
After entry and employment, the individual can start the path toward obtaining a work permit for England and even permanent residency in the UK.
Work Permission in the UK
To migrate to the UK through work, you must have a valid job offer from a reputable employer in the country. Below is a list of the documents you will need to enter England and work in the country.
To obtain work permission in the UK, you must earn at least 70 points based on five evaluation parameters. The scoring system is as follows:
- Have an offer of employment confirmation from a UK-based employer who is acting as your sponsor.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsoring employer.
- Have completed a points-based assessment (see details below)
To obtain a work permit in the UK, you must achieve a minimum of 70 points across 5 assessment parameters. The scoring is as follows:
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Certificate (CoS) | Job offer from a Home Office–licensed employer with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship | 20 |
| Job Skill Level | The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level+), increasing to Level 6 (degree-level) for most jobs after reforms | 20 |
| English Language | Must demonstrate CEFR B1, e.g. through English tests or degree-level qualifications taught in English | 10 |
| Salary Threshold / Tradeable Points | Base salary requirement (2025): at least £38,700, or the job’s higher going rate. Discounted entry (£30,960) applies for shortage occupations, PhD/STEM, and ‘new entrant’ roles | Up to 20 |
| Total Required | 70 |
Adequate financial means for obtaining the work permit in the UK adds 10 points for the applicant. The applicant must provide evidence of having £800 in their account for a period of three months and show their bank statement to the embassy. Alternatively, the potential employer may also cover this £800 amount.
Highest Paid Jobs in the UK
In the job market in the UK, many specialized jobs come with high incomes. These jobs usually require academic qualifications, several years of work experience, and specific skills. Familiarity with the highest-paying jobs in the UK can provide good guidance for choosing a migration path for working in England.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK include:
- General Practitioner
- Surgeon and Specialist
- Lawyer and Legal Advisor
- CEO and Executive Director
- Information Technology (IT) Manager
- Airplane Pilot
- Financial Analyst
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Marketing Manager
These jobs not only offer the highest income levels, but also appear on the list of jobs in high demand in the UK, providing suitable opportunities for residency in the UK through work.
Salaries and Income in the UK
One of the primary reasons for working migration to the UK is achieving higher income and better living standards. The salary level in this country depends on various factors such as the type of job, level of expertise, work experience, and working hours.
According to the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics in the UK, the average annual salary in this country is estimated at about £29,000. For full-time workers, this figure is even higher, and the trend of rising salaries indicates suitable economic growth. In the table below, you can see some jobs with income in the UK.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | £60,000 ⟶ Median UK salary |
| Director | ~£106,000* (estimated from top roles) |
| Manager | ~£73,000* (average UK manager roles) |
| Architect | ~£50,000* (based on industry data) |
| IT Project Manager | £57,500 ⟶ Average UK pay |
| Financial Analyst | £55,000 ⟶ Median UK salary |
| IT Manager | ~£80,000* (based on senior IT roles) |
| Financial Resources Manager | ~£55,000* (mid-manager finance roles) |
| Project Manager | £53,273 ⟶ London median salary |
| Financial Manager | ~£65,000* (based on senior finance roles) |
Employment of Nail Technicians in London
Hiring nail technicians in London is usually done in beauty salons or independently. Employment conditions include professional skills in manicures, pedicures, and nail design, relevant certifications (if required), and basic English language proficiency.
Worker’s Salary in the UK
The salary for simple laborers in the UK is determined based on the National Minimum Wage, which varies according to age and job position. In this country, the minimum wage for individuals over 23 years old is £10.42 per hour. Full-time workers earn an average of around £1,800 to £2,500 per month. This amount varies depending on skill level, experience, and job type.
Recruitment Agencies in the UK
To search for your desired job, you can use the UK job search website, local newspapers, and magazines. Even social networking platforms like FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN can help you find suitable jobs. However, the primary method for finding work in the UK is through job search websites.
The process for these agencies and websites works as follows: they receive the applicant’s resume and identify companies and institutions that need workforce based on the applicant’s type of activity, arranging interviews for the applicant. Below is a list of some recruitment agencies in the UK.
- https://www.cv-library.co.uk
- https://www.adzuna.co.uk/hire
- https://www.escapethecity.org
- https://honest.work
- https://www.indeed.co.uk
- https://www.monster.co.uk/advertise-a-job
- https://www.reed.co.uk/recruiter
- https://www.jobsite.co.uk
- https://workinstartups.com
Jobs in Demand in the UK
Individuals choosing to immigrate through work should ideally examine the jobs in demand in that country, job markets, unemployment rates, wage levels, and incomes, etc. The UK is considered one of the countries with a strong and wealthy economy. The strong economy of this country has resulted in a decrease in unemployment rates and the existence of suitable job opportunities, making it less likely for applicants to face difficulties entering the job market.
The country has announced its required jobs in four different sectors, of which some are listed below:
- Engineering related jobs:
| Civil Engineers | Tank Panel Engineer | Petroleum Engineer | Drilling Engineer | Electrical Engineers | Electrical Engineers in Oil & Gas | Design Engineer in Power Transmission & Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geotechnical Design Engineer | Geomechanics Engineer | Fluid Engineer | Process Safety Engineer | Control Engineer | Power Transmission & Distribution Industry | Protection Engineer |
| Mining and Coal Engineer | Soil Mechanics Engineer | Tunneling Engineer | Control & Instrumentation Engineer | Chemical Engineers | Simulation Development Engineer | Design and Development Engineers |
- Health-related jobs:
| Medical Radiography | Clinical Neurophysiology | General Psychiatry | Obstetrics & Gynecology | General Internal Medicine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurology | Urology | Anesthesia | General Surgery | Intensive Care Medicine |
| Hematology | Forensic Psychiatry | Pediatrics | Trauma & Orthopedic Surgery | Sonography |
| Emergency Medicine | Occupational Medicine | Emergency Medicine | Psychiatry of Learning Disability | Operating Room Physician |
| Clinical Neurophysiologist | Social Workers | Radiotherapy Technician | Nuclear Medicine Technician | Medical & Dental Technicians |
| Cardiac Physiologist | Respiratory Physiologist | Sleep Physiologist | Biological & Biochemical Scientists | Clinical Vascular Scientist |
- Arts and Entertainment Jobs:
| Animator in Visual Effects & Computer Animation | Computer Graphics Supervisor | Stereo Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Ballet Dancers | Production Manager | Executive Producer |
| Skilled Orchestral Musicians | Technical Manager | Texture Artist |
| Producers and Art Directors | Visual Effects Supervisor | Graphic Designers |
| 3D Supervisor | Composer | Models |
- Other types of jobs:
| Project Manager in Power Transmission & Distribution | Secondary Education Teachers | Program Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Mining and Energy Managers | Skilled Chef | Geochemist |
| Physicists, Geologists, and Meteorologists | Production, Labor, and Maintenance Managers | Technical Services Manager in Nuclear Waste & Decommissioning |
| Environmental Scientist | Manufacturing Engineer (Procurement) in Aerospace | Specialist Chef |
| Geologist | Project Manager | Economists and Statisticians |
| Engineering Geophysicist | Software Developer | Welder |
| Nuclear Medicine Scientist | Physiotherapy Radiotherapy | Geophysicist |
Insurance and Pension Conditions in the UK
In the UK, insurance and retirement are managed through National Insurance (NI). Employees and employers contribute a portion of their wages to NI, leading to benefits such as healthcare insurance (NHS), state pensions, and unemployment benefits.
The state pension age is generally 66 years, and the pension amount is based on the level of NI contributions made. In addition to the state pension, individuals can also benefit from private and corporate pension schemes.
Illegal Work in the UK
Illegal work in the UK refers to jobs undertaken without a formal contract and outside legal frameworks. These jobs are often found in sectors like home cleaning, labor in construction projects, or restaurant services and are frequently offered to individuals without work visas or who are unlawfully present in the country.
Illegal work in London and other UK cities may offer quick income but comes with serious risks like wage theft, exploitation, no legal protection, fines, and deportation. The UK government strictly enforces immigration laws against illegal work. To safeguard your rights, always choose legal options like obtaining a UK work visa or work migration before working.
Dependent Visa through Work in the UK
The UK dependent visa allows the spouse and children under 18 years of an individual with a valid work visa (such as the Skilled Worker Visa) to remain in the country. The primary condition is proving the family relationship and having sufficient financial means.
The dependent visa allows the spouse to work and the children under 18 to study, allowing them to remain in the UK for the same duration as the principal individual. If eligible, there is also the possibility of obtaining permanent residency.
Obtaining Residency and Citizenship through Work in the UK
In the UK, individuals who have been present in this country for 5 years while working and have paid their taxes and insurance can apply for permanent residency. UK residency counts for the spouse and children as well. Children also have the right to study and work in the UK, and all citizenship rights apply to them as well.
After one year of permanent residency, the applicant can also apply for citizenship of the country. Individuals who gain UK citizenship can apply for UK passport.
Malekpour Institute Services for Working in the UK
Malekpour Institute offers a unique UK skilled worker route that combines work and investment. By registering a company or buying shares in the UK, applicants can secure residency for themselves and their families. This pathway requires a minimum investment of £65,000, no age limit, and just an IELTS score of 5.5.
In partnership with UK lawyers, the institute supports applicants from company setup to residency. Master’s and PhD holders with strong English and global credentials may find jobs earning £2,000–£3,000 per month. Spouses get full work rights, and children under 18 enjoy free education.
Frequently asked questions about working in the UK
- What is the best job in the UK?
Recent surveys indicated that the best jobs in the UK, in terms of salary, job satisfaction, and number of job openings include accounting manager, finance manager, marketing manager, product manager, sales manager, risk management, data specialist, operations manager, design manager, and trade manager.
- What should we do to work in the UK?
Work migrations are generally divided into three categories: 1- (job offer) or job offer, 2- (job seeker) or job searching, and 3- (Skilled Worker). To work in the UK, you must receive a job offer from an employer in the country to be eligible for a work visa.
- What are the highest paying jobs in the UK?
The highest paying jobs in the UK include fields like medicine, information technology, engineering, law, and finance. Home-based jobs in England are also growing.
- What are the requirements for working in London?
To work in London, you need a valid visa, English language proficiency, professional skills related to the job, and usually a job offer from an employer. Additionally, you should be familiar with labor laws and living conditions in London.
Conclusion:
If you are looking to find out about working conditions in the UK, migration for work to the UK, obtaining a UK work visa, or getting acquainted with the list of jobs in demand in England, we recommend you definitely contact our consultants or study other specialized articles on the website.
Considering that job search conditions in the UK and the demand for workers in this country change annually, receiving updated specialized advice can clarify your migration path. Malekpour Immigration Institute offers free initial consultations to help you find a legal and secure route for immigration to England through work.
