Jobs for Africans in the UK
The United Kingdom offers real job opportunities for Africans across healthcare, social care, logistics, construction, hospitality, and technical fields. With ongoing staff shortages, UK employers actively recruit international workers with the right skills and motivation.
Many newcomers also find the UK easier to settle into. English is widely spoken, and strong African communities in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow provide support from day one.
This guide shows you where the jobs are, what you need to work legally, and how to apply safely and confidently in the UK.
Stay Connected with Yolla
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it also means being far from family.
Stay connected with family back home while working in the UK — with clear, low-cost calls using Yolla.
Popular Industries for Africans in the UK
African workers contribute to many sectors of the UK economy. Some industries hire internationally because of long-lasting shortages, while others offer accessible entry-level roles suitable for newcomers. Below is a clear overview of the most common sectors employing African workers today, together with typical roles and requirements.
Healthcare
Healthcare remains one of the strongest employers for Africans because both the NHS and private providers face ongoing shortages.
Why it hires African workers:
- National shortages of nurses and care staff
- International qualifications often recognised
- Clear visa routes for healthcare workers
- Strong demand year-round
Common roles: Nurse, Healthcare Assistant (HCA), Support Worker, Radiographer, Mental Health Worker
Entry-level vs skilled:
- Entry-level: HCA, support roles
- Skilled: registered nurses, radiographers, specialist medical staff
Requirements: Nursing diploma or degree (for nurses), NMC registration, IELTS/OET, DBS check
Demand outlook: Very strong for the long term — healthcare remains one of the most stable options for African applicants.
For more details, see our guide to healthcare jobs for immigrants in the UK.
Social Care & Support Work
Social care involves supporting elderly adults, people with disabilities, or those needing daily assistance. It is one of the easiest sectors for newcomers to enter.
Why it hires African workers:
- Constant demand for carers
- Training usually provided
- Many roles do not require a degree
Common roles: Care Assistant, Home Care Worker, Community Support Worker, Live-in Carer
Requirements: Basic care training, DBS check, good communication skills
Demand outlook: Very high, especially with the UK’s ageing population.
Logistics, Driving & Warehouse Jobs
Logistics is expanding rapidly due to the growth of online shopping and large distribution networks.
Why it hires African workers:
- Many entry-level roles
- Quick hiring processes
- Jobs available in almost every region
Common roles: Delivery Driver, HGV Driver, Warehouse Operative, Forklift Operator, Parcel Sorter
Requirements: Safety training, driving licence, HGV licence (for trucks)
Demand outlook: Strong and steady year-round.
Hospitality & Food Services
Hospitality welcomes newcomers because most roles focus on customer service rather than formal qualifications.
Why it hires African workers:
- Many entry-level roles
- Flexible schedules
- High demand in cities and tourist areas
Common roles: Waiter, Housekeeper, Barista, Kitchen Assistant, Chef
Requirements: Food safety training (often provided), communication skills, customer service mindset
Demand outlook: Stable year-round, with additional demand during holidays and summer.
Construction & Skilled Trades
Construction offers solid opportunities for Africans with practical or trade skills.
Why it hires African workers:
- Shortage of qualified tradespeople
- Ongoing housing and infrastructure projects
- Opportunities for both entry-level and skilled workers
Common roles: Electrician, Plumber, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Labourer
Requirements: CSCS card, health & safety training, trade certificates (depending on role)
Demand outlook: High across most regions.
IT, Engineering & Professional Roles
African professionals with technical backgrounds can find good opportunities in the UK’s expanding tech and engineering sectors.
Why it hires African workers:
- Shortage of skilled professionals
- International qualifications often recognised
- Competitive salaries
Common roles: Software Developer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Network Engineer, Civil Engineer, Accountant
Requirements: University degree, professional certifications (AWS, Cisco, ACCA), relevant experience
Demand outlook: Very strong in major cities and tech hubs.
How to Call Africa Affordably
Planning your move and want to stay connected with family? Here’s a simple guide on how to call Africa affordably.
Industry Overview Table
Salaries in the UK depend on the region, role, and experience level. Entry-level roles usually start near the national minimum wage, while skilled roles pay significantly more.
|
Industry |
Common Roles |
Skills Required |
Typical Salary Range |
|
Healthcare |
Nurse, Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker, Radiographer, Mental Health Worker |
Medical training, patient care, communication skills, basic IT skills |
£21,000–£45,000+ |
|
Social Care & Support Work |
Care Assistant, Home Care Worker, Live-in Carer, Support Worker |
Compassion, patience, manual handling, basic care training |
£19,000–£32,000 |
|
Logistics, Driving & Warehouse |
Delivery Driver, HGV Driver, Warehouse Operative, Forklift Operator |
Driving skills, safety awareness, physical fitness |
£21,000–£35,000+ |
|
Hospitality & Food Services |
Waiter, Housekeeping Staff, Barista, Kitchen Assistant, Chef |
Customer service, teamwork, basic food safety |
£18,000–£28,000+ |
|
Construction & Skilled Trades |
Labourer, Electrician, Plumber, Bricklayer, Carpenter |
Trade skills, CSCS card, physical strength, health & safety knowledge |
£22,000–£40,000+ |
|
IT, Engineering & Professional Roles |
Software Developer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Network Engineer, Civil/Mechanical Engineer, Accountant |
Technical skills, degree or certifications, problem-solving |
£28,000–£60,000+ |
Sending Money Home
Many workers support family back home. For simple, affordable transfers, see our African money transfer guide.
Legal Requirements to Work in the UK
Before you can work in the UK, you must have the correct visa and documents. The steps below give a simple overview of what every international worker needs to prepare.
Valid Work Visa
You need a visa that allows employment. The most common options are:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For qualified professionals sponsored by a UK employer
- Health and Care Worker Visa: For nurses, carers, and medical staff
- Graduate Route: For students who finished a UK degree
- Seasonal Worker Visa: For short-term farm work
- Family visas: If joining a partner or relative living in the UK
Each visa has its own rules for salary levels, skill requirements, and employer sponsorship. The UK government has gathered all official and up-to-date information on work visas on its website — see the UK government guide to work visas and immigration routes for full details.
Want a simple explanation designed for African applicants? Check our UK legal status guide for African countries.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Most work visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is an electronic reference number your employer gives you after offering a job. It confirms that:
- the employer is approved to hire overseas staff
- the job meets visa rules
- the salary is high enough for your visa
No CoS = no Skilled Worker or Health & Care visa application.
English Language Requirement
Most work visas require proof of English ability. You can meet this by:
- passing a test such as IELTS or OET
- having a university degree taught in English
- taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an approved centre
Official guidance:
The UK government explains who needs a test, which exams are accepted, and how to book one in its official guidance on proving English language ability with a secure English language test (SELT).
Qualification Recognition (UK ENIC)
If your role requires formal qualifications, such as nursing, engineering, or accounting, you may need to confirm that your certificate meets UK standards. This is done through UK ENIC qualification recognition for overseas degrees and certificates, the official UK body that compares international qualifications with the UK education system.
Some professions also require registration with a UK regulator, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nursing roles.
Police Clearance (DBS Check)
Some roles in healthcare, social care, childcare, teaching, and logistics require a DBS check to confirm your criminal record status. The UK government details the different DBS levels and when employers can request them in this guide: how DBS criminal record checks work for UK employers.
Right-to-Work Checks
Before you can start a job, UK employers must confirm that you are legally allowed to work. This check usually includes your passport, visa, and online share code. The UK government explains the full process in its guide to right-to-work checks for job applicants.
3 Useful Government Links
For more details on visas, qualifications, and work rules, you can use the official UK government resources listed below.
How to Apply for Jobs in the UK: 5 Simple Steps
Applying for work in the UK becomes much easier once you understand what employers expect. Most companies look for clear communication, a well-prepared CV, and applicants who understand the basic steps of the hiring process. The guide below shows how to prepare your documents, where to find real jobs, and how to avoid scams.
-
Register with Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies are a useful starting point for newcomers. Registration is free, and agencies can help you match your skills to available roles.
Common agencies include: Hays, Adecco, Manpower, Blue Arrow (hospitality/logistics), NHS Professionals (healthcare)
Agencies can also assist with interviews and documentation.
-
Use Government and Private Job Sites
The UK has many trusted job platforms where you can search safely.
Government websites (safe and free):
Private job boards: Indeed UK, Reed, Totaljobs, CV-Library, LinkedIn, Adzuna
These allow you to upload your CV, create job alerts, and apply for multiple positions quickly.
-
Create a UK-Style CV
A UK CV is usually one to two pages, with a simple and professional layout. It focuses on your skills, recent experience, and achievements.
Key elements of a UK CV:
Section
What to Include
Contact Details
Name, phone, email, city (optional)
Personal Summary
2–3 sentences about your skills and goals
Work Experience
List most recent jobs first
Key Skills
Match skills to the job description
Education & Certificates
Degrees, training, licences
What Not to Include
Age, photo, marital status, religion, nationality
Most employers prefer CVs in PDF format.
-
Write a Tailored Cover Letter
A cover letter is a short note that shows why you want the job and how your experience fits the role. It is normally one page.
A strong cover letter should:
- Mention the job title and company
- Introduce your background
- Highlight 2–3 skills that match the job
- End with a positive closing sentence
Every application should have a new, customised cover letter.
-
Prepare for Online Interviews
Many UK employers begin with an online interview on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or by phone.
To prepare:
- Test your internet, microphone, and camera
- Choose a quiet, bright place
- Practise common interview questions
- Research the company
- Speak clearly and stay relaxed
Interviews often focus on your previous work, problem-solving skills, and communication style.
How to Avoid Job Scams
Some scammers target international applicants, especially new arrivals from Africa. Knowing the warning signs will protect your documents and your money.
Common Red Flags
|
Warning Sign |
Why It’s Suspicious |
|
Asked to pay for visa sponsorship |
UK employers must provide CoS for free |
|
Offered a job with no interview |
Real employers always interview applicants |
|
Job sounds “too perfect” |
Unrealistic promises often signal fraud |
|
Emails from Gmail/Yahoo |
Real companies use official domains |
|
Asked for passport/bank details early |
Documents should only be shared after a formal offer |
Safe Practices
- Apply only through trusted job sites
- Check the company online before sending documents
- Never pay for sponsorship or job offers
- Stop and double-check if something feels wrong
- Request official proof if you are unsure
Staying alert will help you avoid scams and keep your application process safe.
Best UK Cities & Regions for African Job Seekers
Job opportunities, living costs, and community support vary across the UK. The table below gives a simple overview of the regions where African job seekers most often find stable work and strong local networks.
|
City / Region |
Main Industries Hiring Africans |
Why It Works for Newcomers |
Notes on Living Costs |
|
London |
Healthcare (NHS), hospitality, restaurants & hotels, IT & finance, retail & customer service |
Largest African communities, excellent transport, many entry-level and skilled roles |
Highest living costs in the UK; salaries often higher too |
|
Manchester |
Logistics & warehousing, delivery & transport, customer service, healthcare & social care |
Friendly environment, growing African diaspora, large employers, strong job availability |
More affordable than London and the South East |
|
Birmingham |
Social care & healthcare support, construction, trades, manufacturing, retail & hospitality |
Long-established African & Caribbean communities, many recruitment agencies, good housing options |
Moderate cost of living; cheaper than London |
|
Leeds & Bradford |
NHS hospitals, retail & supermarkets, call centres, education & admin roles |
Good transport, steady recruitment, expanding African communities |
Lower rent compared to the South East |
|
Glasgow & Edinburgh (Scotland) |
Social care, seasonal hospitality & tourism, warehouse & logistics, public sector |
Welcoming multicultural cities, improving job availability, strong community growth in Glasgow |
Generally lower living costs outside central Edinburgh |
|
South East (Reading, Milton Keynes) |
IT, engineering, finance, tech services |
Strong professional job market, good salaries, major employers |
Higher costs than the North but cheaper than London |
What Affects Your Salary in the UK?
Your salary in the UK can vary widely depending on where you work, your experience level, and the type of job you have. The tables below show the main factors that influence pay and the things that can help you earn more over time.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
|
Factor |
How It Affects Your Pay |
|
Location |
London and the South East offer higher wages but have higher living costs. Northern England and Scotland pay slightly less but are more affordable. |
|
Experience Level |
Workers with UK work experience, strong references, or longer employment histories usually receive better job offers. |
|
Certifications & Training |
Extra qualifications—such as CSCS (construction), NMC (nursing), HGV licence, or IT certificates (AWS, Cisco, CompTIA)—often lead to higher salaries. |
|
Shift Patterns |
Night shifts, weekend work, overtime, and holiday shifts can add extra income. |
|
Employer Type |
NHS roles follow official pay bands. Private companies may offer bonuses, higher starting salaries, or performance-based increases. |
How Salaries Grow Over Time
Many African workers see their earnings increase within the first 1–3 years of working in the UK. This growth usually comes from:
|
Salary Growth Factor |
Why It Helps |
|
UK Work Experience |
Employers often pay more once you understand local practices and expectations. |
|
Improved English Skills |
Better communication can lead to promotions or roles with more responsibility. |
|
Industry Training |
Short courses or employer-led training can qualify you for better-paid positions. |
|
New Certificates |
Gaining a CSCS card, HGV licence, IT certifications, or professional registrations increases your value. |
These improvements have the strongest impact in healthcare, logistics, construction, IT, and skilled trades, where salaries rise quickly when you gain new skills.
Staying Connected While Working Abroad
Many African workers in the UK continue supporting family back home. Staying connected—through calls, messages, or money transfers—quickly becomes a daily need. Yolla helps make this simple by keeping everything in one app, so you don’t have to switch between different services.
With Yolla, you get:
- Clear, low-cost international calling
- Stable, high-quality voice even on weaker networks
- Fast international money transfers
- A smooth, no-switching experience for calling and sending
- An easy app you can download in minutes
Visit our Africa calling rates page to check call rates for your country
Whether you work in healthcare, logistics, construction, IT, or hospitality, Yolla helps you stay connected to the people who matter most.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Starting a new life and career in the UK is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can lead to stable work, new skills, and long-term opportunities. Take time to check job offers carefully, prepare for workplace culture, and keep your documents organised.
Building connections within African communities can make the transition easier, and staying in touch with family back home helps you stay grounded and motivated.
Wherever your journey takes you in the UK, having reliable ways to stay connected makes all the difference. With clear calls and easy money transfers, Yolla helps you stay close to the people who matter most — even when you’re far from home.
