Cook Assistant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in a professional kitchen, being part of a high-energy culinary team, or starting a new life in the UK, this could be your opportunity. Cook assistant jobs in UK are now open to international candidates, with many employers offering visa sponsorship, making it easier for skilled and motivated individuals to enter the country legally and build a meaningful career.

With an attractive starting salary of £11.50 per hour, this role offers not only financial stability but also a foot in the door of one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries: hospitality and food service. Whether you’re working in a buzzing city restaurant, a luxury hotel, or a busy school canteen, you’ll gain valuable experience, training, and exposure to international culinary standards.

The best part? Many positions are entry-level, so you don’t need extensive experience to apply. A passion for food, a willingness to learn, and a basic understanding of kitchen operations can get you started. In addition to pay, employers often provide staff meals, uniforms, flexible working hours, and even accommodation support in some cases.

Ready to start your journey? Keep reading to explore responsibilities, types of cook assistant jobs, application steps, and visa details to help you succeed.

Apply Now

Why is There a High Demand for Cook Assistants?

The UK’s vibrant food scene is booming, creating a consistent need for skilled kitchen support staff. Key drivers include

• A Thriving Hospitality Sector: As tourism and the dining-out culture continue to grow, restaurants, hotels, and catering services require reliable staff to maintain smooth kitchen operations.
• Industry Labor Shortages: The post-Brexit landscape has led to significant shortages in kitchen support roles, prompting employers to actively recruit and sponsor international talent.
• Diverse Culinary Landscape: The rising popularity of international cuisines means kitchens value assistants who bring diverse culinary perspectives and skills.

Types of Cook Assistant Roles

The role varies depending on the establishment, offering diverse environments to build your experience:

1. Restaurant Cook Assistant: The core role, involving food prep, plating, and maintaining cleanliness in a fast-paced à la carte environment.
2. Hotel Kitchen Assistant: Supports multiple outlets like the main restaurant, room service, and banquet catering, offering variety and scale.
3. Catering Assistant: Works off-site for events, weddings, and corporate functions, focusing on large-volume preparation and presentation.
4. Institutional Kitchen Assistant: Found in schools, hospitals, and corporate canteens, emphasizing large-batch cooking, portion control, and strict hygiene.
5. Fast-Food Kitchen Assistant: Focuses on speed, efficiency, and adherence to standardized recipes in a high-turnover setting.

Salary and Benefits Overview

• Hourly Wage: Typically starts at £11.50 – £12.50 per hour, with potential for higher pay in premium establishments or with experience.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Staff meals on duty
  • Paid holiday leave
  • Opportunities for overtime
  • Training and career development programs
  • Uniform provided

Key Job Responsibilities

As a cook assistant, your duties are foundational to kitchen success:

• Food Preparation: Washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning ingredients (mise en place).
• Station Support: Assisting chefs with cooking, grilling, frying, and assembling dishes.
• Plating: Helping to plate meals neatly and consistently according to the chef’s specifications.
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Washing utensils, cleaning workstations, and ensuring overall kitchen hygiene.
• Stock Management: Receiving deliveries, rotating stock, and informing supervisors of low supplies.
• Safety Compliance: Adhering to all health & safety and food hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP).

Requirements for Visa Sponsorship

While this is an entry-level role, securing a visa requires meeting specific criteria:

• Skills & Attitude: A strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to work under pressure in a team.
• Basic Knowledge: Understanding of basic cooking techniques and food safety is highly beneficial. A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is a significant advantage.
• Physical Fitness: The role requires standing for long periods and some lifting.
• Language: Good understanding of English is essential for following instructions and ensuring kitchen safety.
• Visa Eligibility: You will need a Skilled Worker Visa. The employer must be a Home Office-approved sponsor. The role must meet the minimum salary threshold (typically £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the occupation, whichever is higher). A starting wage of £11.50/hr can meet this threshold with full-time hours.

Benefits of Cook Assistant Jobs in the UK (with Visa Sponsorship)

1. Legal Right to Work in the UK
   • You can legally live and work in the UK with proper visa sponsorship.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
   • Some visa types allow for long-term settlement after 5 years of continuous work.
3. Access to National Healthcare (NHS)
   • By paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you gain full access to public healthcare.
4. Employee Rights and Protections
   • You’re entitled to UK labor laws including minimum wage, paid leave (28 days/year), sick pay, and workplace safety.
5. Work Experience in a Global Market
   • Opportunity to gain international kitchen experience and improve your skills under UK culinary standards.
6. Possibility of Accommodation or Meals
   • Many employers in hospitality (e.g., hotels, care homes) may offer staff housing or free/discounted meals.
7. Career Progression Opportunities
   • You may move up to higher roles like Line Cook, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, etc., with experience.
8. Cultural & Language Exposure
   • Working in the UK helps improve English and offers exposure to a multicultural environment.

UK Visa Sponsorship Requirements for Cook Assistant Jobs

1. Job Must Meet Minimum Skill Level (RQF Level)
   • Most eligible jobs under the Skilled Worker visa must now be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level).
   • Cook Assistant jobs usually fall below this level (RQF Level 2–3) and are not eligible under new rules unless on an exemption list.
2. Salary Threshold Requirements
   • The general minimum salary for visa eligibility is £41,700/year, or the specific “going rate” for that job — whichever is higher.
   • Most Cook Assistant roles offer lower salaries, making sponsorship difficult.
3. Job Must Be on the Eligible Occupation List
   • The role must be listed in the UK’s Appendix Skilled Occupations.
   • Cook Assistant jobs are typically not included unless in special sectors (e.g., care homes, remote hospitality with shortages).
4. Licensed UK Employer Must Sponsor You
   • Only employers with a valid Sponsor Licence can offer you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
   • You can check if an employer is licensed on the UK government’s official list of sponsors.
5. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
   • The employer must issue you a valid CoS before you apply for the visa. It includes job details, salary, and duration.
6. English Language Requirement
   • You must prove knowledge of English (speaking, reading, writing) — usually via an approved English test (e.g., IELTS) or having studied in English.
7. Proof of Financial Stability
   • You may need to show that you can support yourself financially in the UK — unless the employer is covering this.
8. Valid Passport and Other Documents
   • You’ll need a valid passport, police clearance certificate, possibly a tuberculosis test (for some countries), and other documentation.
9. Transitional and Exemptions Cases
   • If you already held a Skilled Worker visa or your CoS was issued before 4 April 2024, you might still qualify under the old rules.
10. Alternative Visa Routes (Limited)

• If not eligible under Skilled Worker visa, other short-term routes (e.g., Seasonal Worker visa) exist — but these do not lead to permanent settlement and are very limited for kitchen work.

How to Apply For Cook Assistant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 

Follow this actionable plan to secure a cook assistant job with visa sponsorship:

1. Target the Right Employers: Focus your search on larger organizations with the resources to sponsor visas, such as:
   • Hotel chains (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Premier Inn)
   • Restaurant groups (e.g., Nando’s, Wagamama, Mitchells & Butlers)
   • Contract caterers (e.g., Compass Group, Sodexo)
   • Large pub chains
2. Optimize Your Job Search:
   • Use job boards like Indeed.co.uk, Caterer.com, and LinkedIn.
   • Always use the filter “Visa Sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker Visa.”
   • Register with hospitality recruitment agencies like Blue Arrow or Berkeley Scott.
3. Craft a Targeted CV:
   • Highlight any kitchen experience, even in a volunteer or family setting.
   • Emphasize soft skills: teamwork, reliability, and ability to work fast.
   • Clearly list any relevant certifications (food hygiene, etc.).
   • State clearly: “Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.”
4. Secure the Job and Visa:
   • Once you receive a formal job offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
   • You will use the CoS to complete your Skilled Worker Visa application online via the UK Government website (GOV.UK).

Conclusion

A cook assistant position in UK is more than just a job; it is a foundational step towards a long-term career in the culinary arts and hospitality sector. With clear demand from employers, a structured visa process, and the chance to live and work in the UK, this opportunity is ideal for motivated individuals. By highlighting your reliability and passion for food service, you can successfully navigate the application process and begin your professional journey in one of the world’s most exciting culinary landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions