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Updated: 2026-01-01 Gross pay focus Pot wash + deep-clean role

Kitchen Porter jobs in the United Kingdom

High-pace back-of-house work: dishwashing, deep cleaning, waste handling, and keeping the kitchen safe during service.

Hospitality & Service Entry level Low sponsorship likelihood (indicative) On-the-job routines
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–£14.00 / hour
Base pay varies by employer, location and shifts. Service charge/tips may be extra.
Shifts & rhythm Evenings / weekends common
Busy service windows + close-down cleaning tasks.
Work type Physical + hygiene-critical
Fast repetitions, wet areas, safe lifting and chemical controls.

What you do as a Kitchen Porter (UK)

  • Run dishwash/pot wash: load, unload, sort, stack, and keep flow continuous in peak periods.
  • Deep-clean routines: floors, bins, surfaces, drains (site rules), and closing checklists.
  • Waste handling: segregation, bagging, safe transport, and keeping routes clear and dry.
  • Support service: quick resets, tray/plate runs, basic restocking as directed.
  • Maintain hygiene controls: correct chemicals, dilution procedures, and safe storage per site policy.

Detailed requirements

Essential

  • CV in English (mandatory for screening).
  • Right to work in the UK (or apply only where sponsorship is explicitly available).
  • Physical readiness: standing work, lifting, repetitive movement, wet/steamy environments.
  • Safety basics: slip prevention, safe lifting, PPE use, reporting hazards quickly.
  • Basic spoken English for instructions, safety briefings and teamwork coordination.

Strong advantages

  • Any commercial kitchen, catering, warehouse cleaning, or fast-paced back-of-house experience.
  • Confidence with industrial dishwashers and rapid sorting/stacking systems.
  • Shift flexibility (late closes, weekends, peak seasons).
  • Good routine discipline: checklists, cleaning schedules, and consistent output.

Recruiter “signals” (what gets you selected)

  • Concrete task language: “pot wash”, “deep-clean close-down”, “waste runs”, “floor safety”.
  • Evidence of speed: “handled rush periods”, “kept wash area flowing”, “reset stations fast”.
  • Reliability: punctuality, full shift availability, stable attendance.

Pay & working conditions (UK basics)

Gross pay guidance:
  • Typical base pay: £12.21–£14.00 gross/hour (varies by employer/location/shifts).
  • Market reference: reported average salary ~£25,345/year (often roughly ~£13/hour depending on hours).
  • Legal minimum (21+): £12.21/hour (from Apr 2025) and £12.71/hour (from Apr 2026).

Where service charge/tips exist, distribution rules require fairness and transparency (site-dependent).

  • Breaks: if you work more than 6 hours, you typically have a right to a 20-minute uninterrupted rest break (paid/unpaid depends on contract).
  • Hours cap: the 48-hour weekly average limit applies in many cases (typically averaged over 17 weeks) 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).
  • Uniform/PPE: commonly provided; expect slip-resistant footwear requirements.

Note: specific terms (shift length, overtime, meals on shift, probation) 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 shift flow (Kitchen Porter)

  1. Start: set up wash area (chemicals, racks, bins, safe floor), confirm priorities with supervisor.
  2. Service peak: constant flow—sort, wash, stack, return items fast; keep floors dry and routes clear.
  3. Mid-shift: quick deep-clean bursts between rushes; restock basic items as directed.
  4. Close-down: deep-clean routines, waste runs, reset stations, final checks for hygiene and safety.

This role is the kitchen’s stability layer: when wash areas are controlled and clean, the entire service runs smoother.

Kitchen Porter UK — FAQ

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

Many roles sit around £12.21–£14.00 gross/hour, depending on employer, location and shifts. Where service charge/tips exist, it may be additional and taxed.

Is Kitchen Porter the same as Kitchen Assistant?

They can overlap, but Kitchen Porters are usually focused on dishwashing, cleaning routines, waste handling and keeping back-of-house safe. Kitchen Assistants often do more prep and station support.

What shifts should I expect?

Evenings and weekends are common. Many sites have late finishes and close-down cleaning tasks after service.

Do Kitchen Porter roles usually offer visa sponsorship?

Sponsorship is generally uncommon for this role. Availability depends on the employer and whether the position is eligible under sponsorship rules. Treat sponsorship as the exception.

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

Mention pot wash/dishwasher experience (if any), deep-clean routines, safety habits (slip prevention, PPE), and shift flexibility. Keep job dates clear and list your English level for safety communication.

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