Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs in UK 2025 – Apply Here

The UK’s cleaning and maintenance sector is a vital part of its economy, employing hundreds of thousands of workers across healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and industrial facilities. These jobs are in high demand and often open to foreign workers, including those seeking visa sponsorship.

This guide explores job roles, application steps, visa options, salaries, and top employers offering cleaning and maintenance roles in the UK.

Overview:

Cleaning and maintenance professionals ensure hygiene, safety, and operational standards in public and private spaces. These roles are available in:

• Office buildings
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals and care homes
• Hotels and restaurants
• Public transport and airports

Many roles are entry-level and offer on-the-job training, making them ideal for individuals new to the UK job market.

Duties:

General Cleaner / Janitor

• Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming
• Dusting and sanitizing surfaces
• Restocking hygiene supplies

Housekeeper (Hotels / Care Homes)

• Making beds, changing linens
• Cleaning bathrooms and guest rooms
• Reporting maintenance issues

Maintenance Assistant / Handyworker

• Performing basic repairs (e.g., door handles, lights)
• Assisting with plumbing or minor electrical work
• Maintaining equipment and supplies

Facilities Supervisor / Site Manager

• Overseeing cleaning and maintenance staff
• Scheduling inspections and health & safety checks
• Managing budgets and equipment inventory

Benefits:

1. High Demand and Job Security

• Essential Services: These roles are vital across all sectors — from healthcare and hospitality to offices and retail — ensuring steady demand.
• Year-Round Employment: Unlike seasonal jobs, cleaning and maintenance roles are typically available all year.

2. No Formal Qualifications Required

• Entry-Level Friendly: Most positions don’t require advanced education or prior experience, making them accessible to a wide range of job seekers.
• On-the-Job Training: Employers often provide training for equipment use, safety, and cleaning protocols.

3. Flexible Work Options

• Full-Time or Part-Time: Jobs are available in various shifts — morning, evening, overnight — allowing flexibility for students, parents, or those seeking additional income.
• Self-Employment Possibilities: Many individuals choose to work as independent cleaners or maintenance providers, giving them control over hours and rates.

4. Opportunities for Visa Sponsorship

• Skilled Worker Pathway: Certain roles in maintenance (e.g., electricians, HVAC technicians, or specialized cleaners) may be eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK’s Skilled Worker route.
• Supportive Employers: Some large companies and cleaning agencies offer visa sponsorship or support for the right candidates.

5. Path to Career Progression

• Advancement Opportunities: With experience, workers can move into supervisory or managerial roles (e.g., site supervisor, facilities manager).
• Certifications and Upskilling: Workers can pursue additional certifications in health & safety, electrical maintenance, or specialist cleaning.

6. Stable Income and Benefits

• Competitive Pay: Hourly wages range from £10 to £15+, often with overtime, night shift, or weekend pay premiums.
• Employee Benefits: Many employers offer paid holidays, pension contributions, uniforms, and sick leave.

7. Work Across Multiple Industries

• Diverse Workplaces: Cleaning and maintenance staff are needed in hospitals, schools, airports, hotels, public transport, offices, and manufacturing — offering varied work environments.

Check Also: Helpdesk Support Officer Jobs in UK with Sponsorship

Visa Sponsorship and Work Eligibility:

Who Can Work in the UK?

To legally work in the UK as a cleaner or maintenance worker, you must meet one of the following:

• Hold a valid UK work visa
• Be from an eligible country under specific international agreements
• Already reside in the UK with the right to work (e.g., student visa, dependent visa)

Visa Sponsorship:

While not all cleaning jobs are on the official Shortage Occupation List, certain roles under healthcare, facilities management, or hospital portering may be eligible for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa.

To qualify:

• The employer must be a UK Home Office licensed sponsor
• The job must meet minimum salary thresholds
• The worker must meet English language and background check requirements

More info: UK Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK

Average Salary:

Salaries vary based on role, experience, location, and employer:

Role	Average Annual Salary
General Cleaner	£20,000 – £22,000
Housekeeper	£21,000 – £24,000
Maintenance Assistant	£22,000 – £27,000
Facilities Manager	£30,000 – £40,000+

Source: ONS and Payscale UK

Qualifications and Experience:

Entry-Level Roles

• No formal education required
• Basic English communication skills
• Physical ability for manual tasks

Skilled Maintenance Roles

• Apprenticeships or vocational training (e.g., plumbing, electrics)
• NVQ or City & Guilds certifications are an advantage
• Previous experience in facility management, repair, or construction

Top Employers Hiring in UK:

The following companies frequently hire cleaners, janitors, and maintenance staff and may offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates:

• Mitie Group Plc
• ISS Facility Services
• Sodexo UK
• Serco Group Plc
• Rentokil Initial Plc
• NHS Trusts (for hospital cleaning roles)

Cleaning Jobs in UK with Work Visa:

The UK cleaning and janitorial industry supports healthcare, hospitality, public services, and corporate environments. While not all roles are eligible for visa sponsorship, some employers in sectors such as NHS facilities, care homes, and hospitality chains are actively offering cleaning jobs in the UK with work visa sponsorship, particularly where local recruitment shortages exist.

Facilities Maintenance Job UK with Visa Support:

The facilities maintenance sector includes roles such as:

• General cleaners and janitors
• Building and grounds maintenance staff
• Sanitation workers
• Housekeepers in hotels and care facilities
• Specialist cleaners (e.g. clinical, biohazard, industrial)

Some facilities maintenance jobs in the UK qualify for visa support under specific circumstances—particularly if the role is skilled, hard to fill locally, or linked to healthcare and residential care operations.

Skilled Worker Visa for Cleaning Jobs UK:

While many cleaning roles are considered low-skilled, Skilled Worker Visa for cleaning jobs in the UK may be available in certain situations—particularly when:

• The role is supervisory or specialist
• The employer is a licensed sponsor
• The position meets the salary and skill level requirements

For example, cleaning supervisors, facilities managers, or specialist maintenance technicians may be eligible under the Skilled Worker Visa if listed under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

Temporary Worker Visa: Cleaning and Maintenance Roles

The Temporary Worker – Seasonal or Charity Worker routes can sometimes be used for short-term cleaning and maintenance roles, especially in:

• Hospitality (resorts, hotels)
• Events and exhibition venues
• Healthcare support environments
• Religious or charitable organizations

These visas usually allow employment for up to 12 months, with employer sponsorship and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Certificate of Sponsorship for Cleaning Roles in UK:

To apply for any UK work visa, you need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor license and is willing to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital document with a unique reference number confirming that:

• You have a valid job offer
• The role meets immigration rules
• The employer will comply with visa regulations

Many Certificate of Sponsorship cleaning roles in the UK are offered in sectors like:

• NHS cleaning services
• Elderly care and residential facilities
• Large commercial cleaning contractors
• Hotel and hospitality chains in high-tourism areas

UK Shortage Occupation List: Cleaning and Maintenance

As of 2025, general cleaning jobs are not currently on the UK Shortage Occupation List, which offers lower salary thresholds and faster visa processing. However, some maintenance and building technician roles are included—particularly in the construction and facilities sectors.

Roles that may qualify:

• Maintenance engineers
• Building caretakers (with electrical/plumbing skills)
• Facilities supervisors

Applicants should check the most recent updates from the UK Home Office to verify which roles are currently listed.

Visa Sponsorship for Housekeeping Jobs in UK:

If you’re seeking visa sponsorship for housekeeping jobs in the UK, your best chances are in:

• Hotels with high international tourism
• Luxury private households
• Care homes and assisted living facilities

These employers may be licensed to sponsor overseas workers, especially in regions with ongoing labor shortages.

While housekeeping roles are typically not on the Skilled Worker list, some positions may still receive sponsorship under other temporary work routes.

Cleaning and Janitorial Roles: UK Immigration Options

To work in cleaning and janitorial roles in the UK under immigration rules, you will generally need:

• A valid job offer from a licensed sponsor
• A Certificate of Sponsorship
• An eligible visa (Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker)
• Proof of English language ability (for Skilled Worker route)
• Criminal record and medical clearance (if required)

In some cases, applicants may also qualify for permanent residency after working in the UK for five years under certain visa categories.

How to Apply for Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs in UK 2025?

• Identify Roles That Fit Your Profile
  • Use job portals like Indeed UK, TotalJobs, or Find a Job
• Search Using Keywords
  • Try “cleaner with visa sponsorship,” “NHS housekeeping jobs,” “maintenance assistant UK visa”
• Update Your CV
  • Emphasize work ethic, relevant skills, language ability, and adaptability
  • Highlight any training or experience in cleaning or repair work
• Check Employer’s Sponsorship Status
  • Search their name in the Home Office Sponsor List
• Prepare for Interviews
  • Demonstrate reliability, communication skills, and attention to detail
  • Have documents ready: passport, CV, visa (if applicable), references

Final Thoughts:

Cleaning and maintenance jobs in the UK offer accessible employment with steady demand, especially in healthcare and public services. While not all roles qualify for visa sponsorship, some employers in regulated sectors (e.g., hospitals, large facilities companies) may support skilled or semi-skilled applicants through proper immigration routes.

If you’re interested in relocating to the UK for stable work in this field, start by researching visa requirements, tailoring your application materials, and applying to verified employers.

Frequently Asked Questions: