Unskilled Cleaning Jobs in the UK 2025 – Earn Up to £25,000/Year
The demand for unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK has steadily grown as businesses, hospitals, schools, hotels, and residential properties increasingly require professional cleaning services.
As of 2025, the cleaning industry contributes significantly to the UK’s service sector, offering thousands of job opportunities for both local residents and immigrants looking for stable employment.
These roles may not require advanced degrees or specialized certifications, making them accessible for workers with limited formal education but a strong commitment to reliability and work ethic.
The average salary for unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK ranges between £20,000 and £25,000 annually, depending on the region, employer, and work schedule. With overtime and weekend shifts, cleaners can earn additional income, sometimes reaching £28,000 a year in busy metropolitan areas such as London or Manchester.
This makes the sector attractive for those seeking stable employment with opportunities for career progression, especially for immigrants seeking UK work visas and long-term residency options.
In 2025, many employers are also offering visa sponsorship for dedicated workers willing to relocate to the UK. With the UK experiencing ongoing labor shortages in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, unskilled cleaning positions have become part of the government’s drive to fill essential roles.
For international applicants, this creates a unique opportunity to secure employment while benefiting from visa support, housing assistance, and in some cases, training programs designed to help workers adapt quickly to UK workplace standards.
Over the past decade, the cleaning industry has expanded due to increased hygiene regulations, the rise of commercial cleaning contracts, and heightened awareness about workplace cleanliness following the global pandemic.
Sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and education continue to rely heavily on professional cleaning services, leading to steady job creation even during periods of economic uncertainty.
Employers are now focusing on long-term recruitment strategies, offering permanent contracts, competitive hourly wages starting from £10.50 to £13.50 per hour, and training programs for employees willing to grow within the industry.
As of 2025, over 1.5 million people are employed in cleaning and maintenance services across the UK, with projections indicating continuous growth over the next five years.
The accessibility of unskilled cleaning jobs, combined with the opportunity to earn competitive wages and secure visa sponsorship, makes this career path particularly attractive for immigrants seeking to establish themselves in the UK labor market.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK typically do not require advanced qualifications, making them ideal for individuals entering the job market for the first time or for immigrants looking to transition into the UK workforce.
However, while these roles are considered “unskilled,” certain basic abilities, work habits, and personal attributes can significantly improve employability and earning potential.
Employers generally expect candidates to demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow instructions accurately. The nature of cleaning work requires attention to detail, consistency, and adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
For instance, in healthcare environments where cleanliness directly affects patient safety, cleaners must maintain stringent infection control measures while performing routine tasks such as floor cleaning, waste disposal, and surface sanitization.
Common Requirements for Entry-Level Cleaners
Most unskilled cleaning positions require physical stamina, as the job often involves standing for long hours, bending, lifting, and operating cleaning equipment.
While formal education beyond secondary school is rarely mandatory, employers may request basic English communication skills to ensure effective interaction with supervisors and co-workers.
Some companies prefer candidates with prior cleaning experience, particularly for roles in hospitals, hotels, and corporate offices, where specialized cleaning standards apply.
However, newcomers can often start as general cleaners before advancing to more specialized roles such as industrial cleaning or supervisory positions, which typically offer higher pay rates of £14 to £16 per hour.
Training Opportunities for New Workers
Although entry-level roles rarely require certifications, several organizations provide on-the-job training to familiarize workers with cleaning chemicals, equipment handling, and workplace safety protocols.
In certain cases, employers partner with local training providers to offer short courses in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) compliance, which is highly valued in the industry.
Workers who complete these training programs often gain access to better-paying roles, with annual salaries increasing from £22,000 to £25,000 depending on the sector and shift patterns.
Employers particularly value workers who can adapt to different settings, such as switching between domestic, industrial, and commercial cleaning tasks.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
The salary range for unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK varies significantly depending on location. Urban centers with a higher cost of living tend to offer better pay rates to attract and retain workers.
In 2025, London will remain the highest-paying region for cleaning jobs, with salaries often exceeding £25,000 per year, especially for full-time roles in hospitals, hotels, and corporate offices.
London and Surrounding Areas
London’s cleaning industry benefits from a dense concentration of commercial properties, luxury hotels, and healthcare institutions. Many employers in London offer starting wages of £12.50 to £14.50 per hour, translating to annual salaries of £24,000 to £28,000 for full-time positions.
Additionally, some companies provide overtime pay, night shift allowances, and weekend bonuses, further increasing total earnings.
Other High-Paying Cities
Outside London, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also offer competitive salaries for cleaners due to high demand in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
For example, full-time cleaners in Manchester can expect annual wages of £22,000 to £24,000, while those in Edinburgh earn between £21,000 and £23,000, depending on experience and shift schedules.
Regional Disparities in Pay
In rural areas or smaller towns, salaries may be slightly lower, ranging between £19,000 and £21,000 annually for full-time roles. However, the cost of living in these areas is generally lower, allowing workers to retain a significant portion of their income.
Many immigrants seeking to save money prefer starting in smaller towns before transitioning to larger cities offering higher pay and more opportunities for career growth.
Salary Expectations for Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
Salary expectations for unskilled cleaners in the UK vary based on multiple factors such as location, employer type, shift patterns, and level of experience.
As of 2025, the national average salary for unskilled cleaners stands at approximately £22,500 per year, with opportunities to earn more through overtime and additional responsibilities.
Hourly Wage Breakdown
Most employers pay cleaners on an hourly basis, with rates typically ranging from £10.50 to £13.50 per hour for entry-level positions. Night shifts and weekend work often come with premium pay rates, increasing hourly earnings to £14 or £15 in certain high-demand areas.
Annual Income Estimates
Full-time cleaners working 40-hour weeks can expect to earn between £21,000 and £25,000 annually, while those in metropolitan areas with higher wages can surpass £26,000 to £28,000 per year.
Workers who take on supervisory roles or specialize in industrial cleaning may even reach salaries of £30,000 or more after gaining several years of experience.
Additional Benefits
Some employers also provide benefits such as paid holidays, health insurance contributions, and pension plans, which add value to the overall compensation package. For immigrants, companies offering visa sponsorship and housing support often become top choices, as they help reduce relocation costs while ensuring job stability.
Visa Types and Options for Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
For immigrants seeking to work as unskilled cleaners in the UK in 2025, understanding the visa options available is crucial. While the UK immigration system primarily targets skilled workers, recent labor shortages in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and cleaning services have encouraged the government to create provisions allowing foreign workers to fill essential positions.
Skilled Worker Visa for Unskilled Cleaning Roles
The Skilled Worker visa, previously known as the Tier 2 General Work Visa, has recently expanded its eligible occupation list to include certain low-skilled roles when employers face recruitment difficulties.
This means cleaning companies registered as licensed UK sponsors can legally employ foreign workers while providing visa sponsorship. Under this visa, applicants may be granted a work permit lasting up to five years, with the possibility of renewal and even permanent residency after continuous employment.
The average salary requirement for most Skilled Worker visas in 2025 stands at £23,040 per year, but exemptions exist for shortage roles. Many cleaning jobs in hospitals and care homes qualify under these exemptions, allowing employers to sponsor applicants even at lower wage thresholds.
Seasonal Worker Visa
For applicants seeking short-term employment, the Seasonal Worker visa provides opportunities to work in the UK for up to six months. While this visa primarily covers agricultural roles, certain cleaning companies with temporary contracts, especially during peak tourism seasons, occasionally hire workers under similar short-term schemes when additional labor is required.
Temporary Worker Visas
The UK also issues Temporary Worker visas, allowing individuals to work in specific sectors under government-approved programs. Some large cleaning contractors managing public sector contracts use this visa type to hire overseas workers for event cleaning, construction site cleaning, and other short-term projects where local labor supply cannot meet demand.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
While most unskilled roles start on temporary or short-term visas, consistent employment in essential sectors such as healthcare facility cleaning can eventually lead to long-term work visas or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after the required residence period.
Many cleaners begin with sponsorship under healthcare support roles before transitioning to permanent residency once they meet income and residency criteria.
In 2025, the UK government continues to review immigration policies to address labor market shortages, making it increasingly possible for dedicated workers in unskilled roles to transition from temporary visas to longer-term settlement options.
How to Secure Unskilled Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Securing unskilled cleaning jobs in the UK requires a strategic approach, especially for immigrants applying from overseas. While the job market offers thousands of vacancies each year, competition for positions offering visa sponsorship and higher salaries remains strong.
Preparing Your Job Application
Applicants should start by preparing a well-structured CV highlighting relevant experience, even if acquired informally. For example, cleaning experience in hotels, offices, or private homes in your home country can demonstrate reliability and familiarity with cleaning tools and chemicals.
Employers appreciate candidates who show attention to detail, punctuality, and willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
A cover letter tailored to the employer’s requirements can significantly increase the chances of selection. Candidates should mention any previous work in healthcare or hospitality environments if applicable, as these sectors often pay higher wages for cleaning staff due to stricter hygiene requirements.
Applying from Overseas
For applicants outside the UK, focusing on companies with licensed sponsor status is essential, as only these employers can provide visa sponsorship under UK immigration rules.
The official UK Home Office website regularly updates the list of approved sponsors, making it easier for job seekers to identify legitimate employers offering work permits.
Interview Preparation and Training
Many employers conduct online interviews for overseas candidates. Familiarizing yourself with basic cleaning safety procedures such as COSHH guidelines and infection control protocols can set you apart from other applicants.
Some organizations even provide free online training modules to help applicants prepare before arrival. Applicants with elementary English proficiency often secure better-paying roles, as effective communication with supervisors and co-workers is crucial in large cleaning teams.
Employers also prefer candidates willing to undergo additional training upon arrival, enabling them to take on specialized cleaning tasks that pay more than general cleaning duties.
By combining a strong job application with the right employer research and basic training preparation, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing unskilled cleaning jobs offering £20,000 to £25,000 per year along with visa sponsorship opportunities.
Companies Hiring Unskilled Cleaners in the UK
Several companies across the UK will actively recruit unskilled cleaners in 2025, offering competitive salaries, full-time contracts, and in many cases, visa sponsorship for overseas applicants.
The cleaning sector includes private cleaning contractors, public sector employers, hospitality groups, and healthcare institutions, all contributing to continuous job growth.
Major Cleaning Contractors
Companies such as Mitie Group, ISS Facility Services, and OCS Group UK are among the largest employers in the cleaning industry. These firms manage cleaning contracts for hospitals, schools, corporate offices, and transportation hubs across the country.
Salaries within these companies typically range from £21,000 to £25,000 per year, with additional earnings possible through overtime and night shift allowances.
Healthcare and Hospitality Employers
The National Health Service (NHS) remains one of the top employers for cleaning staff, offering stable contracts and opportunities for visa sponsorship under the healthcare shortage occupation list. Full-time NHS cleaning staff earn between £20,270 and £23,177 annually, with higher pay bands for supervisory roles.
In the hospitality sector, major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Premier Inn frequently hire cleaning staff for housekeeping and facility maintenance positions. These roles often include free or subsidized accommodation, making them particularly attractive for immigrants relocating to the UK.
Regional Employers
Local councils and educational institutions also hire cleaners for schools, colleges, and municipal buildings. These positions, while sometimes lower-paying at £19,000 to £21,000 annually, offer steady employment with pension contributions and paid holiday benefits, appealing to workers seeking long-term job security.
Employment Websites to Find Unskilled Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Job seekers looking for unskilled cleaning roles in the UK can access numerous employment websites where employers post vacancies with details about pay rates, job requirements, and visa sponsorship availability.
Popular Job Portals
Websites such as Indeed UK, Reed UK, and Totaljobs consistently feature hundreds of cleaning job listings across the country. Applicants can filter results by salary range, location, and visa sponsorship options to target suitable employers offering £22,000 to £25,000 per year for full-time positions.
Specialized Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Blue Arrow and Berry Recruitment specialize in hospitality and facility management roles, including cleaning staff placement. These agencies often assist overseas applicants by guiding them through visa application processes and connecting them with licensed UK sponsors.
Government Resources
The official UK Government Jobs Portal also advertises vacancies in public sector institutions such as schools, hospitals, and local councils. These positions offer transparent salary structures, typically ranging from £20,000 to £23,000 annually, and occasionally include relocation assistance for immigrant workers.
By regularly checking these websites and setting up job alerts, applicants can stay updated on the latest vacancies, increasing their chances of securing stable employment with competitive salaries and long-term career prospects in the UK cleaning industry.
