Work in the UK

As the world's fifth-largest economy, the UK offers an attractive blend of quality skills training, a strong work/life balance, standard working hours, and generous paid leave

The UK has long been a sought-after destination for career-driven individuals. Its diverse economy, vibrant cities, and rich culture provide an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.

With a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.4% (August 2024), the UK boasts a robust job market, particularly for graduates. While competition for positions is fierce, candidates with the right qualifications, skills, and experience can thrive.

As globalisation continues to shape the business landscape, language proficiency is in high demand. Foreign nationals are particularly valued in the UK's multicultural workforce. With its distinct international communities, the country offers a warm welcome to overseas talent.

Jobs in the UK

Major sectors in the UK include:

• accounting, banking and finance
• construction
• education
• engineering
• healthcare
• retail.

The UK economy is primarily driven by its robust services sector. Finance, insurance, and business services are key contributors to its growth. Although manufacturing has declined in recent years, it continues to be a significant employer.

Other notable industries include:

• metals
• chemicals
• aerospace
• shipbuilding
• automotive
• food processing
• textiles
• clothing
• design
• the arts
• electronics and communications equipment.

Many of the UK's large and multinational companies offer graduate schemes in areas such as:

• finance
• HR
• marketing
• retail
• sales
• science.

To find out more, see graduate schemes.

According to The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2023, the most popular graduate recruiters include the Civil Service, National Health Service (NHS), PwC, Deloitte and Google.

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

Look for job vacancies at:

• Prospects job search - for the latest graduate schemes, placements and jobs
• The Guardian Jobs - national news site advertising UK and international jobs
• Indeed - job site listing vacancies throughout the UK
• Reed - lists vacancies in a range of sectors.

Skills shortages

There are currently a number of shortage occupations, including:

• Accountancy, banking and finance - actuaries, economists and statisticians.
• Business services - analysts, market researchers and HR officers.
• Construction - surveyors, architects, bricklayers and plasterers.
• Creative arts and design - architects, artists, dancers and choreographers, musicians, graphic designers, producers and directors.
• Education - primary and secondary school teachers (particularly maths teachers).
• Engineering - electrical, quality control and planning engineers, civil engineers and product and process engineers.
• Healthcare - nurses, carers, health managers, physiotherapists and radiographers.
• Hospitality - baristas and chefs.
• IT - business analysts, systems designers, programmers and software developers.
• Science and pharmaceuticals - nuclear medical scientists, pharmacists, geoscientists, laboratory technicians, archaeologists and veterinarians.
• Social care - counsellors and social workers.

How to get a job in the UK

In the UK, most jobs can be applied for online by submitting a CV and cover letter or completing an application form. Aim for a CV no longer than two sides of A4 and a cover letter of one page or less. Learn more about writing CVs and cover letters.

Networking is crucial as many job openings are filled through word-of-mouth. Reach out to your existing UK contacts to inquire about potential vacancies and inform them of your job search in the country.

Speculative applications are encouraged, especially when targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often don't advertise job openings.

Start your job search early as many companies have lengthy recruitment processes. Complete your application from your home country and relocate once you've secured a position.

Given the high staff turnover, the hospitality and retail sectors recruit regularly. The creative arts and design industry is predominantly London-based, while marketing and PR roles are abundant in Birmingham and Manchester.

If you're shortlisted for a job, you can expect to attend a series of interviews. These might involve one-to-one meetings with your potential line manager or panel interviews with various managers and HR representatives.

Larger companies and graduate schemes often combine psychometric testing, assessment centres and interviews to select their successful candidates.

Get more advice on how to find a job.

Summer jobs

There are plenty of summer, seasonal, and temporary jobs available in the UK, primarily within the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Summer jobs often involve working at summer or holiday camps, outdoor adventure and water sports parks, campsites, or various festivals.

Hotels, bars, and restaurants hire casual staff all year round, with ample opportunities in major cities and tourist destinations. The retail industry also recruits temporary workers to cope with the busy Christmas period.

Volunteering in the UK can help you improve your English while you give back to the community.

If you can afford to work without pay to gain experience, a voluntary placement is worthwhile and can enhance your CV.

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 community.

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.

Teaching jobs

French, Spanish, and German are the primary languages taught in UK schools. If you're from abroad and proficient in one of these languages, you could explore teaching opportunities as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher.

Due to a shortage of MFL specialists, talented individuals are in high demand. If you hold a university degree or its equivalent, coupled with strong English language skills, you might be eligible for a bursary to fund postgraduate study in this field.

For more information on teaching languages in the UK, including available bursaries and training options, go to Becoming a language teacher - Association for Language Learning.

The British Council offers opportunities to teach foreign languages in UK schools through its Modern language assistant programme. If you're a fluent speaker of French, German, Irish, Italian, Mandarin, or Spanish, you could spend a year gaining valuable teaching experience and transferable skills. Salaries typically range from £20,000 to £38,000, with higher pay in London.

Internships

To get a foot in the door of an organisation, many students in the UK look for relevant work experience. These opportunities are available in almost every sector and will vary in length, depending on the organisation. In some cases, a placement will be as short as one day; others may last for several months and lead to a permanent position.

Remember that all work experience is valuable and many students are successful in securing a placement lasting several months.

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

Search for work experience in the UK.

Placement Year International

Provides paid business and hospitality internships for students and recent graduates.

UK visas

There are several visa options for those wishing to work in the UK:

• Graduate Visa - This visa allows you to stay in the UK for two years after completing your course, giving you ample time to find employment and transition to a work visa.
• Skilled Worker Visa - Ideal for long-term residence, this visa grants five years in the UK with the possibility of applying for permanent settlement. Apply three months before starting work and ensure you have a job offer from an approved employer.
• Health and Care Worker Visa - If you're a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care worker, this visa caters to the needs of the healthcare sector. However, your employer must be Home Office approved.
• Innovator and Start-up Visas - Self-employed individuals with viable and original business ideas can benefit from these visas, offering two to three years of residence.

For short visits related to work, study, or pleasure, a Short-Term Visa allows you to stay for up to six months.

The visa you need will differ depending on the purpose of your visit. Take a look at GOV.UK - Work in the UK to see what you're eligible for.

Language requirements

To settle in the UK, if you're over 18, you might need to demonstrate your English proficiency. You can achieve this through an English language qualification or a degree taught or researched in English.

However, there are exemptions. Nationals from countries like Australia, Jamaica, and the USA, along with those with long-term physical or mental conditions, don't need to prove their proficiency.

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

Thanks to the Bologna Process, higher education qualifications from certain countries are directly comparable to those in the UK. If you're an EU national who earned a degree in your home country, it should be recognised by UK employers.

However, before applying for jobs, it's essential to verify that your qualifications will be recognised in the UK. You can check this by contacting UK ENIC, which provides information on qualification recognition and evaluation.

What it's like to work in the UK

In the UK, the standard workweek runs from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Your contract of employment should specify your working hours, and unless you agree otherwise, you cannot be required to work more than 48 hours per week. All employees have the legal right to request flexible or part-time working arrangements.

Adult workers are entitled to at least one day off per week, four weeks of paid annual leave, sick pay, and maternity or paternity leave. While employers are not legally obligated to provide time off for bank or public holidays, many do so. There are eight bank or public holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland each year.

In the UK, most workers are entitled to either the National Living Wage (NLW) or the National Minimum Wage (NMW), with a few exceptions. As of April 2024, the NMW stands at £11.44 per hour for those aged 21 and over. The NMW applies to younger workers, with rates of £8.60 for 18-20 year olds and £6.40 for under 18s. Find out more at GOV.UK - NMW rates.

Once you start earning, you'll need to pay income tax. This tax applies to your income from employment and any profits if you're self-employed. Luckily, most people benefit from a personal allowance, meaning the first £12,570 you earn is tax-free. Currently, the basic income tax rate is 20%.

Find out more

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