Dreaming of working in the UK but worried about visa restrictions or experience requirements? Laundry attendant jobs in 2025 could be your entry point. These roles require no formal degree, welcome entry-level candidates, and often come with visa sponsorship, free accommodation, and meals.
Hotels, resorts, and care homes across the UK are facing critical labor shortages, especially in seasonal and remote areas. This makes international recruitment essential—and gives you the chance to earn a competitive salary (£20,900–£30,400/year) while gaining UK work experience and building a pathway toward long-term residency.
Why Choose Laundry Attendant Jobs in the UK?
- Visa sponsorship available for foreigners
- Entry-level positions with no experience required
- Work in hotels, resorts, and hospitality companies
- Opportunities for free accommodation & meals
- Pathways to UK Skilled Worker Visa & PR
What Does a Hotel Laundry Attendant Do?
You would be a key part of the housekeeping team, working behind the scenes to maintain the high standards of cleanliness guests expect.
Daily Responsibilities Typically Include:
- Collecting dirty linens, towels, and uniforms from guest rooms and housekeeping carts.
- Sorting items by fabric type and colour.
- Operating industrial-sized washing machines, dryers, and pressers.
- Folding, ironing, and stacking clean linens with precision.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised laundry room.
- Inspecting items for damage and reporting shortages.
- Distributing clean linens to the appropriate storage areas.
No formal degree is required. Employers look for reliability, a strong work ethic, the ability to follow instructions, and being a good team player.
Can You Get a UK Visa for This Job?
The short answer is yes, but it is challenging and highly specific.
The longer answer requires understanding the UK’s visa rules:
- Licensed Sponsors: Only UK employers on the official Register of Licensed Sponsors can issue visas.
- Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the UK’s list of eligible occupations. For laundry attendants, the closest eligible role is often classified under “Laundry and Dry Cleaning Occupations” (SOC code 9123). This is a crucial detail that employers must use to sponsor you.
- Salary Threshold: The job must meet the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold of £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.
Why is it possible in 2025? The UK hospitality sector faces significant labor shortages, particularly in remote areas, seasonal tourist destinations, and smaller towns. Hotels, resorts, and care homes in these locations are increasingly turning to international recruitment to fill essential roles like laundry.
Types of Employers That May Offer Sponsorship
You are more likely to find sponsorship with larger companies that have the resources to hold a sponsor license.
- Major Hotel Chains: Hilton, Marriott, IHG (e.g., Holiday Inn), and Accor (e.g., Ibis, Novotel). Larger branches and resorts are more likely to sponsor.
- Luxury Resort Groups: Companies operating large spa hotels or countryside resorts (e.g., Q Hotels Group, Warner Leisure Hotels).
- Staffing Agencies Specializing in Hospitality: These agencies partner with multiple hotels and can place you in a sponsored role. Key agencies include:
- Blue Arrow
- Platinum Recruitment
- Reed Hospitality
- HOSPRO
- The Healthcare Sector: Luxury care homes and private hospitals also run large laundry facilities and are often licensed sponsors.
Salary Expectations
Pay is usually hourly and must meet the visa minimums. Wages can be higher in London and the South East.
| Position | Hourly Rate (GBP) | Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry Attendant | £11.00 – £12.50 | £20,900 – £23,800 |
| Senior Laundry Assistant | £12.50 – £14.00 | £23,800 – £26,600 |
| Laundry Supervisor | £14.00 – £16.00+ | £26,600 – £30,400+ |
Note: Overnight shifts, weekend work, and overtime often include additional pay premiums.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This path is open to hardworking individuals from outside the UK. Applicants from countries with strong English skills and a history in hospitality are particularly sought after, including
🇮🇳 India, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇵🇰 Pakistan.
Key Requirements:
- Language: Basic to good English communication skills are essential for understanding instructions and safety procedures.
- Experience: Previous experience in laundry, housekeeping, or any role requiring physical stamina and attention to detail is a significant advantage.
- Eligibility: You must meet the standard UK visa requirements (passport, no criminal record, and TB test if required).
UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
To qualify, you will need:
- A job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer with details of your role.
- To be paid at least £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour.
- To prove English proficiency (usually at least CEFR Level A2, but often B1 for these roles).
- To have enough personal savings (£1,270) to support yourself upon arrival unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance.
Visa & Work Permit for Laundry Attendants in UK
Foreigners can apply through the UK Skilled Worker Visa or hospitality sponsorship programs.
- UK Skilled Worker Visa for Hotel Jobs – Some hospitality employers are licensed to sponsor visas.
- Unskilled Hospitality Sponsorship Jobs in UK – Hotels and laundry service companies may offer visa sponsorship for entry-level staff.
- Employer-Sponsored Hotel Jobs – A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued by the employer.
- UK Work Visa for Housekeeping & Laundry Staff—Required before starting work legally.
How to Find a Job with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Target Licensed Sponsors
- Use the official UK Government Sponsor Register.
- Search for companies under sectors like “Hospitality,” “Accommodation,” “Social Care,” or “Health.”
Step 2: Use the Right Job Search Strategy
- Search on UK job portals: Indeed.co.uk, Caterer.com, Reed.co.uk, and TotalJobs.
- Use precise keywords: “Laundry attendant visa sponsorship,” “Hotel laundry skilled worker visa,” and “Sponsored laundry jobs UK.”
- Apply to specialist hospitality agencies like those listed above. Be clear in your profile that you require sponsorship.
Step 3: Prepare a Strong Application
- UK-Style CV: Keep it clear and concise (1-2 pages), and highlight relevant experience (e.g., “Operated industrial washing machines” and “Managed linen inventory”).
- Cover Letter: Clearly state your situation: “I am an international candidate seeking a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and am eligible to apply.”
- Be Flexible: Being open to locations outside of major city centers (e.g., Scotland, Wales, countryside resorts) will greatly increase your chances.
Conclusion
A laundry attendant role represents a challenging yet highly viable route to securing a UK Skilled Worker visa and building a future in Britain. While the process requires persistence and meeting strict government criteria, the path is clear and proven. The ongoing labor shortages in the UK hospitality sector have created a unique window of opportunity for hardworking individuals from around the world.
This job is more than just sorting linens; it’s a first step. It provides a stable income that meets visa requirements, a legal pathway to work, and a potential springboard to long-term settlement. If you are reliable, physically fit, and ready to work, your willingness to start in an essential role could be your greatest asset. Target the right employers, tailor your application, and take that first step towards your new life in UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary I need to be offered?
To qualify for the visa, your offer must meet the Skilled Worker visa threshold of £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher. This is a legal requirement.
Do I need any experience or a degree to apply?
No formal degree is required. These are entry-level positions. Employers value reliability, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in a team. Previous experience in laundry, housekeeping, or any physical job is a significant advantage but is not always mandatory.
