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General Labourer / Site Operative (Construction) in the United Kingdom

A practical, site-based role focused on keeping the build moving: materials handling, work-area control, and supporting trades under UK safety rules. Work eligibility is critical; CSCS and PPE are commonly required.

Construction & Trades Entry Low sponsorship likelihood (indicative)
CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
Eligibility note: Non-UK candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, or apply only where an employer explicitly supports a viable route. Labourer roles typically have limited sponsorship availability compared with skilled trades.
Typical gross pay ~ £13–£17 / hour (varies by region, shift, site rules)
Gross day rate (indicative) ~ £105–£150 / day (common 8–9h shifts)
Legal pay floor (21+) National Living Wage applies (rate changes each April)
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Updated:

Typical UK pay (gross)

Pay varies by region (London/South East often higher), site access requirements (CSCS), shift pattern, and contract setup (PAYE/CIS/umbrella). The figures below are practical planning ranges for a general labourer role, expressed as gross.

Pay item Typical gross range What moves the number
Hourly pay £13.00 – £17.00 / hour Region, shift pattern, experience, CSCS/site rules, demand and urgency
Day rate £105 – £150 / day Daily hours (often 8–9h), overtime, weekend work, travel expectations
Annual equivalent ~ £27,000 – £35,000 / year Hours/week, overtime, weeks worked, contract type and paid leave

Note: the legal minimum wage floor applies and is updated each April. Your contract, age band, and working hours can affect the effective floor.

Responsibilities (site reality)

  • Move and stage materials so trades can work without delays.
  • Maintain clean, controlled work zones (clear walkways, remove debris, protect finishes).
  • Assist with deliveries: unloading, checking quantities, safe storage.
  • Support basic tasks under supervision (mixing, carrying, simple fixings where permitted).
  • Follow RAMS, attend toolbox talks/inductions, and report hazards immediately.

The best labourers are valued for reliability, safe pace, and keeping the site organised.

Requirements (detailed)

  1. English CV (mandatory): clear job history, duties, dates, location, and availability.
  2. Work eligibility: right to work documentation must be valid for the UK.
  3. Site access: CSCS is commonly required (project/client dependent).
  4. Safety readiness: understands PPE rules, signage, and hazard reporting.
  5. Fitness & stamina: manual handling, long periods on feet, repetitive lifting/carrying.
  6. On-site behaviour: punctual, follows supervisor instructions, respects exclusion zones.
  7. Communication: can follow briefings and confirm instructions to avoid mistakes.
Tip for stronger screening: include any of the following if true — CSCS, manual handling, banksman support (if trained), basic tools familiarity, and previous UK/site experience.

UK work conditions (2026 snapshot)

  • Hours: common patterns are 40–44 hours/week; overtime may be offered depending on schedule pressure.
  • Weekly limit context: 48 hours/week is the typical average cap unless you voluntarily opt out in writing.
  • Paid leave: statutory paid holiday is commonly expressed as 5.6 weeks (often 28 days for a 5-day week, pro-rated).
  • Pay setup: PAYE employee pay or construction CIS/umbrella setups can exist depending on client model.
  • Safety culture: inductions, toolbox talks, RAMS, PPE checks and incident reporting are routine.
  • PPE: safety boots, hi-vis, hard hat, gloves and eye protection are frequently required.

This section is informational and reflects common site practice; exact rules depend on employer, client and project.

A realistic “day on site” (unique role story)

On a busy UK build, the labourer is the role that quietly protects the programme. Before trades start, you help set up safe access, stage materials where they will actually be used, and keep routes clear. During the day you respond fast to small blockers—moving a delivery, clearing a bay, protecting finished areas—so skilled workers stay productive.

What “good” looks like:
  • Never leaves trip hazards or blocked walkways.
  • Understands what must stay clean (doors, finishes, corridors).
  • Asks once, then executes consistently.
What gets people removed from site:
  • Ignoring PPE or exclusion zones.
  • Unsafe lifting / rushing near plant.
  • Not following supervisor instructions or site rules.
Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page, then we can screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements.
Go to CV page (Required) Browse more Construction & Trades roles

FAQ (role-specific)

Do I need a CSCS card?

Many sites require CSCS for access (often the Labourer/Green card). Some projects accept candidates while a card is in progress, but you should assume CSCS is a common requirement.

Is visa sponsorship available for this role?

Usually not. Sponsorship depends on the employer and the occupation rules; labourer roles typically have low sponsorship likelihood compared to skilled trades.

What gross pay should I expect?

A practical planning range is often about £13–£17/hour gross. Region, overtime, shift pattern and contract model can move the number.

What PPE is normally required?

Common baseline: safety boots, hi-vis, hard hat, gloves and eye protection. Some sites require additional PPE depending on tasks and risk assessments.

What English level is expected?

You must understand safety briefings, signage and supervisor instructions. Clear basic communication is important for safety and coordination.

How do I apply through MaViAl?

Build or upload your English CV using the CV page. MaViAl can then match your profile to current UK client demand and site access requirements.

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