General Cleaner Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship

The UK’s essential services sector has a consistent demand for reliable cleaners in hospitals, offices, schools, and public facilities. For international job seekers, this demand has created a legitimate, though competitive, pathway to obtain a UK work visa. This role offers a stable income, a legal route to live in the UK, and the potential for long-term career development in the facilities management industry.

To qualify, you need to be physically fit and reliable and have a good understanding of basic English for safety and communication. No formal qualifications are required. In return, you can expect an hourly wage of £10.50 to £14.00, along with the crucial benefit of a Skilled Worker Visa sponsored by a licensed employer. If you are a hardworking individual seeking a new start, a cleaner role could be your gateway.

Job Role & Responsibilities

As a general cleaner in the UK, your duties would be essential to maintaining hygiene and safety. Typical tasks include:

• Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors.
• Cleaning and sanitizing toilets and washrooms.
• Dusting surfaces and emptying bins.
• Wiping down windows and glass surfaces.
• Restocking supplies like soap and paper towels.

Salary Expectations

Key Benefits

1. Entry without Formal Qualifications
   You don’t usually need a degree or special certification. Basic skills—reliability, ability to do physical work, and attention to detail matter more. This makes it accessible for many.
2. Work & Income Stability
   Cleaners are always needed: offices, hospitals, hotels, schools, public transport, etc. So there tends to be steady demand, which means predictable income.
3. Competitive Hourly Wages
   • In England, cleaners are earning roughly £13.00-£13.50/hr on average.
   • Night or weekend shifts usually pay more.
4. Legal Protections
   With sponsorship comes working under proper employment contracts. That means rights like sick pay, holiday pay, safe working conditions, etc., protected by UK labor laws.
5. Access to Public Services
   If you’re arriving on a valid visa, you may have access to the NHS for health services and other social protections.
6. Room for Growth
   Over time, you could move into supervisory roles, cleaning management, quality control, etc., especially if you show reliability, skill, and willingness to learn.
7. Potential for Full-time or Part-time Flexibility
   Some cleaning jobs allow part-time work and flexible hours (evening, off-peak), which can help you balance other responsibilities.
8. Visa Sponsorship Means Legitimacy & Support
   Having an employer who’s a licensed sponsor means you’ll have legitimate documentation (Certificate of Sponsorship, etc.) and less risk of exploitative work arrangements.

Visa Sponsorship: The Skilled Worker Route

To work as a cleaner in the UK, you will likely need a Skilled Worker Visa. The process requires:

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: Your employer must be on the official UK Government Sponsor List.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A reference number your employer gives you for the visa application.
3. Salary Threshold: The job must meet the minimum salary requirement, which is £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour. Most cleaner roles meet this through the hourly rate.
4. English Language Proficiency: You must prove B1-level English through an approved test like IELTS for UKVI.
5. Financial Requirements: Show you can support yourself upon arrival (usually £1,270 in your bank account).

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

• NHS (National Health Service): Hospitals frequently hire “Domestic Assistants” and can sponsor under the Health and Care Worker Visa. Check jobs.nhs.uk.
• Major Facilities Management Companies: Large firms like Mitie Group, OCS Group, and ISS UK have government contracts to clean schools, airports, and offices and are known to sponsor visas for hard-to-fill roles.
• Local Councils and Schools: Some local government bodies outsource cleaning and may sponsor, though this is less common.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to hardworking individuals from all over the world. The basic requirements are:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Be physically fit for manual work.
• Have a basic understanding of English.
• Have a clean criminal record.

How to Apply For General Cleaner Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship

1. Prepare Your Documents:
   • A simple, one-page CV highlighting any cleaning, manual labor, or reliability-focused work.
   • Valid passport.
   • Begin the process for a police clearance certificate.
2. Search for Jobs on UK Portals:
   • Use Indeed.co.uk, TotalJobs, and Reed.co.uk.
   • Use specific search terms: “Cleaner visa sponsorship,” “Domestic Assistant NHS visa,” or “Skilled Worker Visa cleaning.”
3. Apply Directly to Major Employers:
   • Regularly check the career pages of Mitie, OCS, ISS, and the NHS.
4. Interview and Job Offer:
   • If shortlisted, you will likely have a phone or video interview.
   • Upon success, you will receive a formal job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
5. Apply for Your Visa:
   • Use the CoS to complete your online Skilled Worker Visa application.

Conclusion

While securing a sponsored cleaner job requires persistence, it is a viable and legal route to living and working in the UK. The high demand for reliable staff in the facilities management sector, especially within NHS, means opportunities do exist. By demonstrating your strong work ethic and proactively targeting the right employers, you can secure a position that provides a stable foundation for your future in UK.

Frequently Asked Questions