What does a Formwork / Shuttering Carpenter do on UK sites?

You assemble, align, brace and strike timber or proprietary formwork (PERI/DOKA or similar) for walls, columns and slabs, working to drawings and pour schedules while maintaining safe access and quality tolerances.

Do I need a CSCS card for formwork/shuttering roles?

Most UK sites expect a valid CSCS card for access, typically aligned to your trade and qualification level. Requirements vary by project and employer.

What gross (brutto) hourly rates are realistic in the UK?

Rates vary by region, project type and contract model. Recent UK job ads commonly show gross hourly figures around the low-to-high £20s, with some infrastructure projects paying higher within that band.

PAYE vs CIS: what is the practical difference?

PAYE is employee payroll with tax handled via payslips. CIS is common for construction subcontractors; deductions may be applied from labour payments depending on your registration status. Always confirm the contract model before starting.

How many hours per week do UK sites usually work?

Many projects run early starts and full-day shifts (often around 8–10 paid hours per day), with overtime and weekend work depending on programme pressure and site rules.

Is sponsorship available for Formwork Carpenters?

Sponsorship is employer-specific and depends on the role mapping, salary rules and whether the employer is licensed to sponsor. Many roles still prefer candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

Home / Jobs / United Kingdom / Formwork / Shuttering Carpenter

Formwork / Shuttering Carpenter in the United Kingdom

Concrete formwork on active UK sites: RC frames, walls/columns, slabs and cores. You will work with timber and proprietary systems (often PERI/DOKA or similar), follow pour schedules, and maintain safe access, quality line/level and tidy working zones.

Construction & Trades Mid Sponsorship: employer-specific (not guaranteed) Rates shown: gross (brutto)

CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.

Build / Upload CV (Required) Contact

Work eligibility (UK): many sites prefer candidates who already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship may be possible only when an employer can sponsor and the role/salary rules are met.

Apply with CV Back to UK vacancies

Gross pay guide (brutto) — what “realistic” looks like

Scenario (examples from UK market)	Gross hourly rate	Gross weekly example	Notes
Common advertised project rateTypical shuttering/formwork ads	~£24/hour	~£1,080/week45h example	Rates vary by region, references, ticket requirements and start urgency.
Large infrastructure / high-demand sitesProject-driven uplifts	£22.52–£29.95/hour	£1,013–£1,348/week45h example	Some contracts advertise overtime uplifts after long shifts and weekends.
Salary dataset referenceBroader “average” signals	~£17/hour	~£638/week37.5h equivalent	Useful as a baseline, but project/agency rates often appear higher than “average salary” equivalents.

Notes for UK conditions: (1) UK job ads frequently show hourly pay around the low-to-high £20s for shuttering/formwork roles; (2) some projects advertise uplifts after long days (e.g., after 10 hours) and weekend multipliers; (3) broader salary datasets can show lower “average” hourly equivalents. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Typical responsibilities (formwork / shuttering)

Set out and assemble timber/proprietary shutters for walls, columns, beams and slabs (line/level/plumb control).
Install walers, props, bracing, ties and stop-ends; keep access safe and clear for pours and inspections.
Work to drawings and pour programmes; communicate constraints before concrete placement (openings, cast-ins, rebates).
Strip/strike formwork safely after pours; protect edges, finishes and embedded items; maintain reusable kit.
Maintain housekeeping: tidy work zones, safe stacking, tool control and material protection.

Quality focus: tolerance, straight lines, clean corners and safe bracing are what keep you employed on long UK programmes.

Requirements (detailed)

Projects differ, but the checklist below matches how UK supervisors typically screen shuttering/formwork candidates.

CV in English (mandatory): roles are screened from the CV first; include project types, systems used and measurable outputs.
Proven formwork experience: walls/columns/slabs, RC frames, striking process and safe bracing methods.
Drawings & setting-out literacy: interpret dimensions, levels, openings, kicker lines, rebates and pour breaks.
System knowledge: timber formwork plus proprietary systems (PERI/DOKA or similar). State exactly what you used.
Site safety behaviour: PPE discipline, housekeeping, reporting hazards, working at height awareness.
Site access compliance: many projects request CSCS aligned to your trade/qualification level.
Reliability signals: references, punctuality, ability to follow method statements and deliver to programme.

Practical edge: candidates who can show “start-to-finish” ownership (set out → build → pour readiness → strike → reset) are prioritised.

Short candidate portrait (who fits best)

This role suits a trade-focused carpenter/formworker who performs under programme pressure without losing safety or accuracy.

Hands-on: comfortable with heavy formwork kit, repetitive resets, and changing pour priorities.
Methodical: checks line/level, braces correctly, flags clashes early, keeps a clean workface.
Site-smart: follows inductions, understands permit zones, works safely around lifting operations.
Communicates: can coordinate with steel fixers, concrete gangs and supervisors in functional English.

Hiring managers love evidence of PERI/DOKA experience; list it clearly.

UK working conditions (updated, practical)

Hours, breaks, site rhythm

Many construction sites start early and run full-day shifts (commonly aligned to project programme).
UK workers have the right to an uninterrupted rest break if working more than 6 hours (site schedules often provide longer breaks). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Overtime and weekends depend on programme pressure; some contracts advertise uplifts after long shifts (project-specific).

PAYE vs CIS (why it matters)

PAYE: employee payroll; deductions handled on payslips.
CIS: common for subcontractors; contractors normally deduct a percentage from payments (registration status matters). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Always confirm your contract model before travel/onboarding to avoid surprises in take-home pay.

Site access & tickets

Many projects expect a CSCS card; skilled trade routes often align with NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or equivalent. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
For formwork, UK training pathways commonly reference NVQ Level 2 in Formwork (Formwork Carpenter). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Inductions, PPE, and safety compliance are non-negotiable on active pour programmes.

Sponsorship reality (UK): carpenters/joiners can be eligible under the Skilled Worker route (role mapping and salary rules apply), but this is employer-specific and requires a licensed sponsor. Many day-to-day shuttering/formwork roles still prioritise candidates with existing right to work. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page. We screen your profile against current UK demand (systems used, project type, tickets, availability) and contact you when a match appears.

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FAQ (Formwork / Shuttering Carpenter — UK)

What is the fastest way to be considered for UK formwork roles?

Submit an English CV that lists: systems used (PERI/DOKA), RC frame experience, recent project types, tickets/CSCS status, and your availability date.

Do I need my own tools?

Site expectations differ. Many candidates bring standard hand tools; specialist formwork kit is typically site-supplied. Your CV should state what you already have.

How is overtime typically handled?

Overtime rules are project/contract-specific. Some job ads mention uplifts after long shifts and weekend multipliers, especially on programme-driven sites.

PAYE or CIS — which one is “better”?

It depends on your status and payroll preferences. CIS is common in construction and normally involves deductions from labour payments depending on registration; PAYE is standard employee payroll.

Is sponsorship realistic for this trade?

Sponsorship is employer-specific and depends on role mapping, salary rules and sponsor licensing. Many roles still prioritise candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.