Quality Inspector in the United Kingdom
Measuring with gauges/calipers, documenting defects, and escalating deviations fast—so the factory ships conforming parts.
Short candidate portrait
- You are methodical and evidence-driven, comfortable stopping the flow when a deviation is real.
- You translate drawings and tolerances into clear inspection decisions using calibrated tools.
- You write short, precise defect notes and communicate in English on shift.
Work conditions in the UK (practical)
- Paid holiday: statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks/year (28 days for a 5-day week), contract may offer more.
- Breaks: if you work more than 6 hours/day, you are entitled to at least a 20-minute rest break; daily rest rules apply.
- Pay clarity: gross (brutto) rates and overtime/shift allowances depend on employer and site policy.
- Agency roles: after 12 weeks in the same job, equal treatment rules apply (pay/leave parity with comparable direct hires).
Pay (gross / brutto) — what is realistic
For UK manufacturing Quality Inspector roles, a realistic band is £13.00–£17.50 per hour gross. Your exact rate depends on region, shift pattern (days/nights), industry (e.g., aerospace vs general manufacturing), and your inspection scope.
- Typical midpoint: ~£14–£15/hour gross
- Annual reference (full-time): commonly ~£24k–£33k gross depending on hours and site
- Baseline context: the legal National Living Wage (age 21+) changes each April
Typical responsibilities (practical day-to-day)
- Follow SOPs and quality checks; report defects and deviations promptly.
- Carry out day-to-day duties aligned with site procedures and quality standards.
- Follow UK health & safety rules (PPE, risk awareness, reporting).
- Work to schedule targets and communicate progress to the supervisor/team lead.
- Maintain tidy work areas and protect equipment/materials.
Requirements (detailed)
- CV in English (mandatory).
- Relevant experience for the role; certificates/licences where required.
- Ability to work legally in the UK, or eligibility for a route where sponsorship may be possible.
- Basic communication in English sufficient for safety briefings and daily coordination.
- Comfort with repetitive tasks, precision measurement, and accurate reporting.
What to highlight on your CV
- Tools: calipers, micrometers, gauges, visual standards, measurement routines.
- Documents: inspection sheets, first-off checks, defect photos, NCR wording.
- Standards: ISO exposure (if any), traceability, controlled documentation.
FAQ (UK Quality Inspector)
Is a CV really required?
Yes. For UK client screening we need an English CV that shows your inspection tools, industries, and the types of drawings/specifications you worked with.
What pay should I expect (gross / brutto)?
Most manufacturing Quality Inspector roles cluster around £13.00–£17.50 per hour gross, depending on region, shift pattern and complexity.
Do these roles usually provide visa sponsorship?
Not usually. Sponsorship is employer-dependent and often uncommon for this occupation. If sponsorship exists, it will be stated by the employer.
Related roles in Manufacturing & Industrial
- Production Operative (Entry, Low sponsorship)
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- Maintenance Technician (Mechanical) (Mid, High sponsorship)
- Maintenance Technician (Electrical) (Mid, High sponsorship)
- MIG/MAG Welder (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- TIG Welder (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Fabricator (Mid, Medium sponsorship)
- Process Engineer (Mid, High sponsorship)