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Roofer jobs in the United Kingdom

Roofing in the UK is safety-led, weather-sensitive, and quality-critical. Employers expect reliable working-at-height habits, clean detailing, and clear site communication.

Construction & Trades Mid Sponsorship: role & salary dependent Gross (brutto) pay guidance included
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 for roles where sponsorship is possible.
Practical note: Skilled Worker sponsorship depends on the occupation code, employer sponsor status, and salary rules. (We explain the constraints in “Eligibility & sponsorship”.)
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What you will do (site reality)

  • Install, repair, and maintain pitched and/or flat roofing systems to drawings and site scope.
  • Set out, measure, and finish details accurately (edges, penetrations, flashings, valleys, ridges).
  • Work safely at height using appropriate access and fall prevention measures.
  • Protect completed work against weather and keep the work area tidy and controlled.
  • Coordinate with scaffolding, supervisors, and other trades to keep progress on schedule.
  • Report defects early and document completion when the site requires it.
Vacancy story (why this role exists):
UK sites frequently run phased programmes (strip, re-cover, detail, handover). Employers value roofers who can maintain pace without compromising safety or watertight finishing.

Gross pay & contract types (UK)

All figures below are gross (brutto) and shown as practical planning guidance. Final pay depends on scope, location, and contract model.

Contract model How it works (typical) Gross pay signals
PAYE (employed) Payroll with tax/NI handled by employer/umbrella. Common for longer placements and sponsorship-linked roles. £15–£22/hr often seen for competent roofers; senior/specialist can be higher (indicative).
Agency / temp Placement via recruitment/agency; weekly pay is common; site rules still apply. ~£167/day is a widely reported market average (day view).
CIS / self-employed Often used on construction projects; you may provide more tools and manage more admin. Not all routes fit non-UK candidates. Day rates can look higher; ensure you compare like-for-like (travel, tools, downtime).
Important for visa planning: Skilled Worker salaries are assessed against official salary rules; the “going rate” tables are typically based on a 37.5-hour week and can be pro-rated by contracted hours.

Detailed requirements (technical)

  • Roofing system competence: pitched (tiles/slates) and/or flat (felt/bitumen/EPDM), depending on project.
  • Weatherproof detailing: edges, abutments, penetrations, flashings; clean finishing.
  • Setting out: accurate measurement, alignment, falls/drainage awareness for flat roofs.
  • Fixings & materials: correct fasteners, membranes/underlay, battens, trims; respect manufacturer method statements when provided.
  • Rework discipline: identify defects early; do not “hide” issues under finishes.

Detailed requirements (safety & site)

  • Working at height mindset: consistent risk checks; correct use of access, edge protection, and PPE.
  • Site readiness: follow RAMS/toolbox talks, keep walkways clear, control materials at height.
  • CSCS: many UK sites expect an appropriate CSCS card (or equivalent site-approved proof).
  • Practical certificates (often requested): Working at Height, Manual Handling, Asbestos Awareness, Harness awareness (project-dependent).
  • Reliability: punctual starts, predictable output, clear handover notes.

Candidate portrait (short)

A strong candidate is a site-ready roofer who can keep a safe pace in changing weather, produce watertight details, and communicate clearly with the supervisor and scaffold access team.

  • Experience: 2+ years on live sites (or proven apprenticeship pathway).
  • Language: workable English for safety briefings and coordination.
  • Mindset: calm under time pressure; checks details; respects H&S rules.

Eligibility & sponsorship (UK) — practical constraints

Sponsorship is not a marketing promise. In the UK, Skilled Worker sponsorship generally requires an eligible occupation code and meeting salary rules.

  • Occupation code reference: roofers are commonly aligned with SOC 5314 (roofers, roof tilers and slaters).
  • Salary rule reality: Skilled Worker applications usually need to meet the standard salary threshold or the occupation going rate (whichever is higher). Some “paid less” routes exist, but they are conditional and not universal.
  • Implication: many roofing roles in the market sit below the highest threshold; sponsorship can therefore be limited and employer-specific.
What this means for candidates:
  • If you already have UK work permission, focus on matching your roofing specialism to active demand.
  • If you need sponsorship, your CV must clearly prove skilled experience and site readiness; salary feasibility is assessed case-by-case.
Document readiness (typical):
  • CV in English with roofing scope and project detail (materials, systems, responsibilities).
  • Certificates and card details (if you have them).
  • References / portfolio photos (optional but helpful).

Working conditions in the UK (what to expect)

Hours & rhythm

  • Early starts are common on construction sites; schedules are project-driven.
  • Overtime and Saturdays may occur during programme pressure or weather windows.
  • Breaks and site rules vary by principal contractor; follow site induction.

Weather & planning

  • Work is sensitive to wind, rain, and frost; safety can pause roof work.
  • Expect tasks that shift between strip-out, prep, install, and detailing.
  • Protecting finished work is part of performance (temporary weathering, tidy storage).

Safety & compliance

  • Working at height controls are strict; do not improvise access or fall protection.
  • PPE is normally mandatory (helmet, boots, hi-vis; harness where required).
  • Site documentation (RAMS, toolbox talks) is standard practice.

Note: UK statutory paid holiday for full-time workers is commonly referenced as 5.6 weeks (often 28 days for a 5-day week). Your contract defines how it’s applied (including whether bank holidays are included).

Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page. We screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements, then contact you if there is a match.
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FAQ

Is visa sponsorship available for roofer roles in the UK?
Sometimes, but it is employer- and salary-dependent. Roofing can align with an eligible occupation code, yet Skilled Worker salary rules can be difficult to meet for many market-rate roofing jobs. Treat sponsorship as a case-by-case outcome, not a default feature.
Do I need a CSCS card?
Many UK sites expect an appropriate CSCS card (or accepted proof) before access is granted. Exact requirements depend on the principal contractor and the type of work.
What gross pay should I expect?
Competent roofers often see gross hourly pay around the mid-teens to low twenties. Agency day figures vary by region. Your pay is ultimately defined by contract model (PAYE/agency/CIS), scope, and site complexity.
What should my English level be?
You need enough English for safety briefings, hazard reporting, and daily coordination. Roofing is high-risk work; unclear communication is a safety issue.
What makes a CV “strong” for UK roofing?
Be specific: roof systems (tiles/slates/felt/EPDM), project types (new build/refurb), tasks (flashings, valleys, penetrations), access methods, safety habits, and measurable output (teams, m², programme pressure).

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