Catering and Hospitality Jobs with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in UK

From restaurants and hotels to event venues and catering companies, this industry offers a wide range of job opportunities for both locals and foreign workers. For immigrants looking to start a career in the UK, catering and hospitality jobs are appealing due to their accessibility and the growing demand for workers. Many businesses are willing to offer visa sponsorship to foreign workers with the right skills and experience to fill these roles.

With Brexit and changes in immigration laws, the UK has been adjusting its workforce strategies to meet the demands of its economy. The catering and hospitality sector, in particular, has seen a growing need for foreign workers, as it struggles to fill roles domestically. This demand creates opportunities for immigrants seeking stable employment with the possibility of obtaining visa sponsorship. This article will explore the entry requirements, regional payment structures, and job prospects in the UK’s catering and hospitality industry, providing valuable insight into how immigrants can secure these positions.

Table of Contents

Entry-Level Skills and Experience Required

Catering and hospitality jobs in the UK often have minimal entry requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of job seekers, including immigrants. However, some skills and experience can significantly enhance your employability in this field. Here are the basic skills and attributes typically required for these jobs:

Subscribe to Study & Work Abroad

Customer Service Skills: The ability to interact positively with customers is crucial in catering and hospitality roles. Good communication, patience, and a friendly attitude are essential.
Teamwork: Working in hospitality often involves being part of a team, whether in a kitchen, restaurant, or hotel. Strong collaboration and the ability to work with others efficiently are key.
Time Management: Catering and hospitality roles can be fast-paced, requiring workers to manage their time well, prioritize tasks, and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Basic Food Handling Skills: For catering roles, a basic understanding of food hygiene and safety is important. Many employers may offer on-the-job training, but having prior experience is an advantage.
Flexibility: The hospitality industry often requires staff to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility in scheduling is often a necessity.
Previous Experience (Optional): Although many roles are entry-level, previous experience in a similar role can be beneficial, especially for higher-paying positions or more specialized roles (e.g., chefs, hotel managers).

READ: Courses With Fully Funded Scholarships & Visa Sponsorship in the UK

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

The salary for catering and hospitality workers in the UK can vary based on the region. Below are the top five regions in the UK with the highest payment structures for catering and hospitality roles:

London: The capital city offers the highest salaries in the hospitality industry, largely due to the high cost of living. Workers in catering and hospitality can expect to earn between £20,000 and £28,000 per year, with higher wages for experienced professionals.
South East England: Cities like Brighton and Reading offer competitive wages for hospitality workers, ranging between £19,000 and £26,000 annually.
East of England: This region, which includes Cambridge and Norwich, offers salaries between £18,000 and £24,000, depending on the type of role and level of experience.
Scotland: In cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, hospitality workers can expect to earn between £17,000 and £23,000 per year, with wages varying based on the type of establishment.
West Midlands: Birmingham and surrounding areas offer salaries between £16,000 and £22,000, making it a region with growing opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Salary Expectations for Immigrants

Region	Salary Range (GBP)
London	£20,000 – £28,000
South East England	£19,000 – £26,000
East of England	£18,000 – £24,000
Scotland	£17,000 – £23,000
West Midlands	£16,000 – £22,000

Salaries for catering and hospitality workers in the UK can vary widely based on location, role, and experience. On average, immigrants entering the UK in this sector can expect to earn between £18,000 and £24,000 per year. As immigrants gain more experience and move into higher positions, such as managerial roles or specialized chef positions, their salaries can increase significantly.

Companies Hiring Catering and Hospitality Workers in the UK

Several major companies in the UK hospitality industry regularly hire foreign workers and offer visa sponsorship. Here are some prominent employers:

Compass Group UK & Ireland:
- Requirements: Basic customer service skills, experience in food service, flexibility to work shifts.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for skilled workers with relevant experience.
Whitbread (owner of Premier Inn):
- Requirements: Strong customer service skills, willingness to work in a fast-paced environment, previous hospitality experience preferred but not required.
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided for key roles in hotels and restaurants.
Marriott International:
- Requirements: Hospitality or catering experience, excellent communication skills, the ability to work flexible hours.
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered for high-demand roles in hotels and catering services.
Sodexo:
- Requirements: Experience in food services, customer-oriented, ability to work within a team.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for specific roles, especially in catering and facilities management.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts:
- Requirements: Hospitality experience, good communication skills, and flexibility in scheduling.
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided for skilled workers in various hospitality roles.

READ: Animal Caretaker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Visa Types and Options for Catering and Hospitality Workers

There are several visa options available for foreigners seeking employment in the UK’s catering and hospitality industry. These include:

Skilled Worker Visa: The most common visa route for workers in the hospitality sector, especially for skilled roles such as chefs or hotel managers. This visa requires a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.
Temporary Worker Visa (Tier 5): This visa is suitable for short-term roles in the catering and hospitality industry. It allows workers to take on seasonal or temporary jobs for up to 12 months.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: This visa is available for individuals aged 18-30 from certain countries, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years, including in the hospitality sector.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For employees of multinational companies with branches in the UK, this visa allows workers to transfer to the UK for roles within their company, including hospitality-related positions.
Graduate Visa: International students who have completed their studies in the UK can apply for this visa, allowing them to work in any sector, including hospitality, for up to two years.

Where to Find Catering and Hospitality Job Opportunities

Foreign workers seeking catering and hospitality jobs in the UK can find job opportunities through various online platforms and resources. Here are some of the best places to search:

Indeed UK: One of the largest job search engines, with a wide range of hospitality job listings, including those offering visa sponsorship.
Caterer.com: A specialized job board for catering and hospitality jobs in the UK.
Totaljobs: A popular UK job board with many hospitality-related vacancies.
LinkedIn: Many companies post job vacancies on LinkedIn, where candidates can apply directly.
Gumtree Jobs: Known for its diverse job listings, including many entry-level roles in the hospitality sector.

READ: Bakery Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

How to Apply for Catering and Hospitality Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK

Applying for catering and hospitality jobs in the UK as an immigrant follows a similar process to other job applications, with additional steps for visa sponsorship. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic requirements for the job, including customer service skills, flexibility in scheduling, and any experience or qualifications needed.
Search for Job Opportunities: Use job search platforms such as Caterer.com, Indeed, and Totaljobs to find catering and hospitality job openings that offer visa sponsorship.
Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in hospitality or catering. Write a cover letter that showcases your customer service skills and enthusiasm for working in the UK hospitality industry.
Apply Online: Submit your applications through job boards or company websites. Be sure to indicate your immigration status and mention that you are seeking visa sponsorship.
Attend Interviews: If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview, either online or in person. Prepare to discuss your experience, skills, and ability to work in a customer-facing environment.
Obtain Visa Sponsorship: Once you receive a job offer, the employer will guide you through the process of obtaining a work visa. You may need to provide documents such as proof of identity, qualifications, and work experience.
Apply for Your Visa: After securing visa sponsorship, you can apply for the appropriate work visa through the UK government’s visa application portal.