Work in the UK

Before moving to the UK for work, it's important to understand the practical considerations involved, including immigration requirements, recognition of qualifications, employment rights and regional differences in salary and living costs. While competition for jobs varies between sectors, candidates with the right qualifications, skills and experience can find opportunities throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Jobs in the UK

Around 34.5 million people are employed in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The UK economy is largely driven by the services sector, with major industries including:

• construction
• education
• engineering
• finance
• healthcare
• technology
• retail

The public sector is also a significant employer, with around 6.2 million employees. Opportunities for graduates can also be found in the private sector, from multinational employers and government departments to start-ups and small businesses.

The strongest employment markets are not limited to London:

• Birmingham is a major centre for business services, engineering and public-sector employment.
• Bristol is known for aerospace, technology and creative industries.
• Leeds has significant legal, financial and healthcare sectors.
• Manchester has developed a reputation for digital, media and professional services roles.

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast also offer opportunities across a range of professions.

Employment rates differ considerably across the UK, ranging from 71.1% in the North East to 78.5% in the South East. London had the highest unemployment rate among the English regions at 7.3%, while Northern Ireland recorded 2.1%.

When researching opportunities, compare salary levels with local living costs. Data from the ONS for May 2026 shows average monthly pay for UK employees was £2,632.

Salaries in London are often higher than elsewhere in the UK, but housing, transport and other day-to-day expenses can also be considerably more expensive.

More information on particular industries can be found in our job sectors.

Look for job vacancies using our Prospects job search.

Skills shortages

Some sectors regularly report recruitment challenges due to skills shortages, workforce demand or difficulties filling vacancies. Areas that frequently experience recruitment pressures include:

• construction
• digital technology
• education
• engineering
• healthcare
• skilled trades.

However, international workers should not assume that a shortage automatically means a visa is available. UK immigration routes are governed by separate rules, including:

• occupation eligibility criteria
• salary thresholds
• sponsorship requirements.

Roles on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from specific immigration concessions, but inclusion on the list does not guarantee that an applicant will qualify for a visa. Always check the current immigration requirements for your occupation before applying.

How to get a job in the UK

Most vacancies are advertised online and applications are usually submitted through employer websites, recruitment platforms or specialist job boards. Depending on the employer, you may be asked to submit a CV and cover letter or complete an application form.

Professional networking can be an important part of the job search process. LinkedIn is used by UK employers and recruiters, while careers fairs, professional associations and alumni networks can provide valuable contacts and opportunities.

Get more advice on how to find a job.

Recruitment agencies can also help candidates identify suitable vacancies, particularly in sectors such as:

• finance
• healthcare
• construction
• technology
• education.

Employers may use a combination of interviews, psychometric testing, presentations, technical exercises and assessment centres when selecting candidates. Large graduate recruiters often use several stages before making an offer.

Recruitment timelines vary considerably. Some organisations fill vacancies within a few weeks, while graduate schemes and regulated professions may take several months to complete the recruitment process.

Many employers ask for employment or academic references before confirming an appointment. Some positions also require additional checks, such as:

• criminal record screening
• professional registration verification
• security clearance.

Certain roles, particularly those involving children or vulnerable adults, may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. International applicants should be aware that background checks and overseas references can sometimes take longer to obtain.

Summer jobs

Seasonal and temporary work opportunities are available throughout the UK, particularly in:

• events
• hospitality
• leisure
• retail
• tourism

Some visa categories place restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked or on the type of employment that may be undertaken, so make sure to check

Temporary work can be a useful way to:

• develop professional networks
• gain UK experience
• improve language skills.

Workers should ensure that they receive the employment rights and pay to which they are legally entitled.

Volunteering can also provide valuable experience and opportunities to contribute to local communities. However, volunteering is distinct from employment and should not be viewed as a substitute for paid work where workers would normally be entitled to receive wages.

Discover local volunteering projects by exploring your community. Check local newspapers and notice boards for opportunities. Thoroughly research each option and carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to a volunteer role.

Volunteer organisations include:

• Do-it is the UK's national volunteering database, listing opportunities from thousands of charities and social groups.
• Volunteering England is part of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
• Volunteering Matters works in partnership with UK organisations to deliver programmes that enable people of all ages and backgrounds to put something back into the communit

Teaching jobs

International applicants interested in education can explore opportunities in:

• colleges
• schools
• specialist training providers
• universities.

Requirements vary depending on the role and location within the UK. Some teaching positions require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognition of overseas teaching qualifications, while others may have different eligibility requirements. Discover how to become a teacher.

Before applying, prospective teachers should check whether they need professional registration or formal recognition of their qualifications, as requirements vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Language assistant programmes, including those administered by the British Council, such as its Modern language assistant programme, may provide opportunities to gain teaching experience in UK educational settings. Salaries typically range from £20,000 to £38,000, with higher pay in London. Prospective applicants should always consult current programme guidance for:

• application requirements
• eligibility criteria
• salary information.

Work experience

Internships and work experience placements are available across most sectors and can provide valuable insight into UK workplaces, helping candidates develop skills and professional networks.

Opportunities can range from short periods of work shadowing to structured placements lasting several months. Some may form part of an academic course, while others are organised independently.

International applicants should be aware that UK employment law distinguishes between paid internships, work experience, volunteering and placements undertaken as part of a formal course.

Your university's international office can help you find and apply for work experience and internships.

Where an intern is legally classed as a worker, they will generally be entitled to at least the applicable National Minimum Wage. From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, while the rate for 18- to 20-year-olds is £10.85.

Search for work experience in the UK.

UK visas

Securing the correct immigration permission is one of the most important steps in obtaining work in the UK. The visa you need will depend on your:

• immigration history
• nationality
• occupation
• reason for entering the country
• salary.

Here are some of the most common visa routes:

• The Graduate visa allows eligible international students who complete a qualifying UK course to remain in the country after graduation. Eligible graduates who apply for the Graduate visa on or before 31 December 2026 can stay for two years after completing their course. For applications made from 1 January 2027, the standard period is 18 months. PhD and other Doctoral graduates can stay for three years.
• The Skilled Worker visa remains one of the main routes into long-term employment. To qualify, applicants generally need an eligible job offer from an employer licensed to sponsor workers, as well as a role and salary of at least £41,700 a year to meet immigration requirements. Different salary rules can apply to some healthcare and education jobs, as well as certain applicants and occupations.
• The Health and Care Worker visa is available for certain healthcare occupations. Eligibility depends on the specific role, employer and immigration rules in force at the time of application.

Other routes that may be relevant include the Global Talent visa, Scale-up route, Youth Mobility Scheme and Innovator Founder route.

Take a look at GOV.UK - Work in the UK to see what you're eligible for.

Depending on your nationality and immigration status, you may need to provide documents confirming your right to work or generate a share code that enables an employer to view your status through the government's eVisa service.

Language requirements

Some immigration routes require applicants to demonstrate a specified level of English-language ability. Evidence may include an approved English-language test or a degree that was taught in English.

Requirements can differ so always check both the immigration rules and the needs of your profession before applying.

For more information on language requirements, recognised English language tests, and other criteria for living in the UK, visit GOV.UK - Settle in the UK.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Recognition of overseas qualifications depends on the qualification, profession and employer. While international qualifications may be broadly comparable to UK qualifications, this does not automatically mean that they will be accepted for employment purposes.

UK ENIC can provide information about how international qualifications compare with the UK education system. This may help employers understand overseas qualifications, but employers and professional regulators ultimately decide whether they recognise a qualification for a particular purpose.

Applicants should also be aware that academic comparability is different from professional recognition.

Some professions require registration with a professional regulator before a person can practise. Examples include:

• architects
• doctors
• nurses
• pharmacists
• teachers

International applicants may need additional assessments, documentation or professional registration before becoming eligible to work in these fields.

What it's like to work in the UK

Working patterns vary across sectors and employers. While many office-based roles operate during standard business hours, shift work, part-time work, flexible schedules, hybrid working and weekend working are common in many industries.

Most workers are protected by employment legislation covering areas such as:

• annual leave
• discrimination
• pay
• workplace safety
• working time.

Employment rights vary depending on employment status and individual circumstances, but workers are generally protected by a limit of 48 hours' work per week on average, although they can choose to opt out of this limit.

Employees typically receive written terms and conditions covering information such as:

• holiday entitlement
• notice requirements
• pay
• probation periods
• working hours.

Most workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year, equivalent to 28 days for someone working five days a week. Employers can include bank holidays as part of this entitlement. Statutory rights relating to sick pay, maternity leave, paternity leave and other forms of family leave may also apply.

Employees generally have the right to make a statutory request for flexible working, although employers are not automatically required to approve every request.

Find out more at GOV.UK - NMW rates.

Pay, tax and National Insurance

Most employees pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Deductions are normally made directly from salary before payment.

Workers receive payslips showing their earnings and deductions and are usually assigned a tax code used to calculate the amount of tax payable. Individuals who have recently moved to the UK should check their tax code carefully and contact HMRC if they believe it is incorrect.

Workplace pensions

Eligible employees are generally automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme, with contributions made by both employee and employer. Pension arrangements can be more complex for workers who expect to spend only a limited period in the UK, so it is worth seeking guidance from your employer on how contributions and retirement savings may be affected.

Salary expectations and cost of living

Salary levels vary significantly by occupation, experience and location. Job advertisements may quote salaries as annual gross figures, while some temporary or hourly-paid roles use hourly rates.

When comparing opportunities, consider both salary and living costs. Factors such as housing, transport, council tax, utilities and food expenses can have a significant impact on affordability, particularly in high-cost areas.

Workplace culture

Workplace culture differs between organisations, but many UK workplaces place value on collaboration, professionalism and clear communication. Employees are often expected to contribute ideas, ask questions and seek clarification when needed.

Punctuality is generally important, meetings are widely used to discuss projects and decisions, and many workplaces adopt a first-name culture regardless of seniority. Working from home arrangements have become common in a range of occupations, although expectations vary between employers.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in the UK.
• Learn about living in the UK.