Scaffolder jobs in the United Kingdom
Safety-critical work at height: erect, modify and dismantle scaffolds that keep trades moving and sites compliant. CISRS tickets are commonly expected.
Short candidate portrait (what “good” looks like)
- Safety discipline: checks, tags/handovers, and “stop & fix” mindset—no shortcuts at height.
- Ticket clarity: you can name your CISRS level and describe what work you are signed for.
- Site communication: you can follow briefings, coordinate lifts, and raise issues early.
- Practical output: you keep standards even when the pace increases (tidy lifts, secure boards, consistent ties).
- Physical readiness: manual handling, long days, weather exposure, and ladders/towers.
- Team reliability: you show up on time, work clean, and protect materials/equipment.
- Flexibility: day/night shifts, shutdowns, travel between projects when required.
- Document-ready: CV in English that lists tickets, sites, scaffold types, and measurable experience.
What you will do (day-to-day)
- Set up safely: attend briefing/induction, confirm access plan, prep tools & PPE.
- Build & adapt: erect lifts, bays and access routes; adjust for changing trades and sequencing.
- Stabilise & protect: ties, guardrails, toe boards, netting/edge protection where required.
- Maintain order: keep lifts clear, store materials properly, protect public/adjacent work areas.
- Close out: alter/strike as scheduled; ensure safe handover route and tidy finish.
Quality & safety behaviours sites expect
- Follow RAMS / method statements and escalate deviations early.
- Maintain fall protection discipline (correct harness use where required).
- Confirm safe loading, access, and housekeeping standards before leaving an area.
- Use correct components; never mix systems in a way that breaks the plan.
- Communicate: lifts, drops, and exclusion zones must be clear to everyone nearby.
What MaViAl provides
- Role matching based on your ticket level, scaffold type, and site background.
- Clear CV-first process (screening starts only after CV submission).
- Onboarding guidance per employer requirements (documents, checks, start readiness).
A quick “site story” (unique to this role)
Scaffolding on UK sites is often the hidden schedule controller: when access is correct, every trade moves; when access is late or unsafe, the whole programme slows. Employers therefore judge scaffolders on predictable safe output—not only on speed.
- Morning: briefings, access plan review, safe set-up of lifts/exclusion zones.
- Midday: alterations as trades request changes; keep stability and housekeeping tight.
- Afternoon: strike/modify sequences, confirm safe routes, tidy and secure materials.
- Close: handover readiness and clear communication to supervisors.
Requirements (detailed)
- CV in English: mandatory (tickets, sites, scaffold types, dates).
- Ticket level: CISRS commonly expected (Labourer / Part 1 / Part 2 / Advanced).
- Experience proof: recent scaffolding work with clear tasks and responsibilities.
- English on site: sufficient for briefings, permits, and safety communication.
- Legal work status: right to work in the UK, or eligibility for a route where sponsorship may be possible.
Competency checklist employers often screen
- Comfort with height, ladders/towers, and working in changing weather.
- Manual handling habits: safe lifts, stable stacking, controlled drops.
- Understanding of exclusion zones and protecting other trades/public areas.
- Ability to follow method statements and keep components consistent.
- Reliability: timekeeping, clean work areas, care of tools/materials.
Documents to prepare (practical)
- CV + ticket details (CISRS level) and any additional site certificates you hold.
- Basic personal details for onboarding checks required by the employer.
- Availability window and preferred region(s) in the UK.
How to write a Scaffolder CV that converts
- Top line: “CISRS Part 2 Scaffolder (System + Tube & Fitting)” (example).
- Bullet proof: list scaffold types + typical tasks (erect/alter/strike, access routes, edge protection).
- Site types: commercial, residential, industrial, shutdowns.
- Numbers help: crew size, typical lift heights, shift patterns, duration on projects.
- Safety: mention safe habits (exclusion zones, housekeeping, following RAMS).
- Language: confirm English level for safety communication.
Pay (gross / brutto) and UK working conditions
The figures below are gross and indicative. Final rates depend on ticket level, site type, location, shift pattern, and whether the role is PAYE or under CIS arrangements.
| Role level (common market framing) | Typical gross hourly pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffold Labourer / Entry support | £18–£22 / hour | Site prep, components, housekeeping, controlled lifts; ticket/site rules apply. |
| Part 1 Scaffolder | £20–£24 / hour | Build/alter under supervision; speed + safe habits assessed on site. |
| Part 2 Scaffolder | £24–£28 / hour | Higher autonomy; common for commercial/industrial projects. |
| Advanced / specialist | £26–£32+ / hour | Complex builds, leadership, shutdowns, higher-risk environments (role-specific). |
Hours & rest (typical baseline)
- Many projects run 40–50 hours/week; overtime may be offered depending on programme.
- Standard UK framework includes rest breaks and daily rest; some roles may use a written opt-out for longer averages.
Holiday baseline (employment dependent)
- For many employees, a common statutory baseline is 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave per year (often shown as 28 days for a 5-day pattern).
- How holiday pay is handled can differ by contract type and employer policy.
Minimum pay floor (context)
- UK roles must respect statutory minimum wage rules; scaffolder rates typically sit above the minimum.
- Always confirm your gross hourly rate, overtime multipliers, and pay cycle before starting.
How to apply (CV-first, practical steps)
1) Build or upload your CV
Include CISRS level, scaffold types, recent sites, and availability. No CV = no screening.
2) Matching & eligibility check
We compare your profile to current UK demand and confirm the role level the client is likely to accept.
Note: sponsorship is employer-dependent and never guaranteed.
3) Employer confirmation
If shortlisted, you may have a call/interview and practical site-style questions. Final pay and shift pattern are confirmed by the employer per project.
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