MaViAl UK vacancies for non-UK candidates
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Updated: 2026-01-01 Gross pay focus Role overview + requirements

Kitchen Assistant jobs in the United Kingdom

Practical kitchen support work: prep assistance, cleaning routines, and fast coordination during service.

Hospitality & Service Entry level Low sponsorship likelihood (indicative) Good for fast starters
CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
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Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or apply only for roles where sponsorship is explicitly available (depends on employer and eligibility rules).
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Typical pay (gross) £12.21–£13.50 / hour
Base pay varies by employer, location and shifts. Tips may be extra.
Shifts & rhythm Evenings / weekends common
Rota-based schedules; pace peaks during service.
Seniority Entry
Training on site is typical; consistency matters most.

What you do as a Kitchen Assistant (UK)

  • Prep support: washing, peeling, portioning, labelling and basic assembly.
  • Keep stations clean: wipe-downs, sanitising, bins, floor safety, allergen awareness.
  • Support service flow: restocking, tray/plate runs, communicating with the chef or supervisor.
  • Follow schedules: opening/closing checklists, cleaning rotations, temperature logging where used.
  • Handle deliveries and stock basics: rotation (FIFO), safe storage, reporting shortages/damage.

Detailed requirements

Essential

  • CV in English (mandatory for screening).
  • Consistent hygiene habits; willingness to follow checklists and routines.
  • Stamina for standing work, repetitive tasks and time pressure.
  • Basic spoken English for safety briefings, instructions and teamwork.
  • Right to work in the UK (or only apply to roles where sponsorship is explicitly available).

Strong advantages

  • Any commercial kitchen experience (restaurant, hotel, canteen, catering).
  • Food hygiene training (often requested by employers).
  • Ability to work evenings/weekends and cover peak seasonal demand.
  • Confidence with stock rotation, date labels and allergen separation practices.

Role fit signals recruiters look for

  • Mentions of pace: “worked in busy service”, “handled rush”, “kept standards under pressure”.
  • Hygiene detail: “cleaning schedules”, “sanitising routines”, “temperature logs”, “allergen care”.
  • Reliability: punctuality, shift flexibility, no-drama teamwork.

Pay & working conditions (UK basics)

Gross pay guidance:
  • Typical base pay: £12.21–£13.50 gross/hour (varies by employer/location/shifts).
  • Market reference: average reported around £12.52/hour (market data).
  • Legal minimum (21+): £12.21/hour (from Apr 2025) and £12.71/hour (from Apr 2026).

Tips/service charge (where applicable) may be paid on top of base pay and are typically taxed.

  • Breaks: if you work more than 6 hours, you typically have a right to a 20-minute uninterrupted rest break (contract may define paid/unpaid).
  • Hours cap: the 48-hour weekly average limit applies in many cases, unless you opt out in writing.
  • Holiday: statutory minimum is often 5.6 weeks (28 days for a 5-day week), pro-rated for part-time.
  • Sick pay: statutory sick pay may apply if eligible (rate and rules depend on the period and eligibility criteria).
  • Tips transparency: where tips/service charges exist, distribution rules require fairness and transparency.

Note: specific terms (shift lengths, overtime, probation, uniforms, meals on shift) vary by employer and site.

Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page. MaViAl can then screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements.
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A realistic “day in the kitchen” (what candidates usually experience)

  1. Clock in, change into uniform/PPE, check station priorities and prep list.
  2. Prep and cleaning tasks run in parallel: speed matters, but hygiene wins.
  3. During service: restock, clear, clean-as-you-go, respond to chef call-outs quickly.
  4. After service: close-down checklist, deep-clean tasks, waste segregation, secure storage.

In UK kitchens, Kitchen Assistant work is often the “engine room”: quiet discipline in the background that keeps service stable.

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Kitchen Assistant UK — FAQ

What is the typical gross hourly pay for a Kitchen Assistant in the UK?

Common entry ranges are around £12.21–£13.50 gross/hour, depending on location, employer and shifts. Tips/service charge (where applicable) may be extra and taxed.

Do Kitchen Assistant roles usually offer visa sponsorship in the UK?

Sponsorship is generally uncommon for Kitchen Assistant roles. Eligibility depends on the employer and whether the role is eligible under relevant sponsorship rules. Treat sponsorship as the exception, not the default.

What are the most important skills for this role?

Hygiene discipline, speed with accuracy, teamwork, and reliable attendance. Recruiters value candidates who follow checklists and keep stations safe during rush periods.

What shifts should I expect?

Evenings and weekends are common. Many employers use rota schedules; shift length depends on the site (restaurants, hotels, catering, canteens).

How do breaks and holiday usually work in the UK?

Rules depend on contract and working pattern, but UK basics include rest breaks on longer shifts and statutory holiday entitlements that are pro-rated for part-time.

What should I include in my CV to be screened faster?

Busy-service experience (if any), hygiene routines you followed, shift flexibility, and reliable attendance. Add any food safety training and list languages used at work.

Apply correctly: If you do not submit a CV, you will not be considered.
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