Restaurant assistant jobs in UK with visa sponsorship provide an excellent opportunity for international candidates seeking a rewarding career in the hospitality industry. These positions are available across major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, offering competitive salaries ranging from £12.60 per hour for entry-level roles to £35,000 per year for experienced candidates.
Restaurant assistants play a vital role in ensuring smooth daily operations by assisting with customer service, taking and delivering orders, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting kitchen and front-of-house teams. Many employers offering these roles are licensed under the UK Skilled Worker visa program, allowing eligible non-EU nationals to work legally in the UK while gaining valuable hospitality experience. Candidates with strong communication skills, a customer-focused attitude, and prior experience in food service are highly sought after.
Applying for these positions typically involves submitting a detailed CV through reputable job portals or directly via company websites, and those selected may receive full visa sponsorship. With promising salary prospects, career growth potential, and the chance to work in vibrant and fast-paced environments, restaurant assistant jobs in UK with visa sponsorship are an ideal starting point for a thriving hospitality career.
Details of Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship
Key Points:
- Country: United Kingdom
- Job Title: Restaurant Assistant/Restaurant Worker
- Experience: None
- English Proficiency
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Relocation: Yes
- Accommodation: Yes
- Hourly Salary: £20.4–£20.6
- Weekly Work Hours: 36 hours
Requirements for Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK
1. Educational Background & Experience
- No formal education is required, though understanding restaurant operations is advantageous.
- Candidates from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds are welcome.
2. Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English is mandatory for effective communication.
- Minimum IELTS score: 4.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores).
3. Soft Skills & Personality Traits
- Adaptability: Handle emergencies and dynamic tasks efficiently.
- Problem-Solving & Creativity: Resolve daily challenges proactively.
- Organization: Maintain effectiveness during busy hours.
- Optimism & Resilience: Stay positive under pressure.
- Communication Skills: Interact politely and clearly with guests and coworkers.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy in orders, service, and hygiene standards.
4. Eligibility for Visa Sponsorship
- Valid job offer from a licensed UK employer.
- Meeting minimum salary thresholds for visa eligibility.
Duties of Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK
Customer Service & Hospitality
- Serve as a restaurant ambassador.
- Welcome guests warmly and guide them to their seats.
- Ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Order & Payment Handling
- Accurately record and process customer orders.
- Manage payments efficiently via POS systems.
Personalized Service
- Anticipate customer preferences and enhance the dining experience.
Inventory & Stock Management
- Monitor inventory levels.
- Order kitchenware and ingredients as needed.
Benefits of Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK
- Visa Sponsorship: Legal work authorization under UK immigration laws.
- Job Stability: Employers offering sponsorship provide job security.
- Career Advancement: Opportunity to move up to roles such as server, supervisor, or restaurant manager.
- Training & Development: Many restaurants provide skills training.
- Cultural Exposure: Experience diverse UK dining culture.
- Networking: Build professional connections with staff and customers.
- Tips & Service Charges: Additional earnings from gratuities.
- Location Advantages: Work in vibrant cities with access to entertainment, culture, and lifestyle activities.
- Language Skills: Improve English proficiency through workplace interaction.
Types of Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK
- Waiter / Waitress
- Host / Hostess
- Bartender
- Kitchen Assistant / Kitchen Porter
- Food Runner
- Assistant Manager
- Catering Assistant
- Delivery Driver
- Busser
- Customer Service Representative
Visa Requirements for Restaurant Assistants
- Valid Job Offer: Employment offer from a UK Home Office licensed sponsor.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by employer, including job title, description, salary, and sponsor number.
- English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS 4.0 (or equivalent).
- Salary Threshold: Minimum £10.75/hour or £20,960/year (subject to updates).
- Application Process: Apply online for the Skilled Worker visa with CoS, English proof, passport, and financial support documentation.
- Financial Requirement: Show at least £1,270 in your account (unless covered by your employment).
How to Apply for Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK
- Identify visa-sponsoring restaurant assistant roles via company websites, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed UK, and TotalJobs.
- Submit a detailed CV and cover letter emphasizing customer service skills, hospitality experience, and English proficiency.
- Ensure your potential employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Apply for the Skilled Worker visa and provide required documentation.
- Follow up with employer and UK visa services for updates on approval.
Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level: £12.60–£15.00 per hour
- Mid-Level: £18,000–£25,000 annually
- Experienced Roles / Assistant Manager: Up to £35,000 per year
- Tips & Service Charges: Can supplement income significantly
Salaries may vary depending on city and restaurant type. London-based roles generally pay more due to higher living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the work of a restaurant assistant?
Server assistants, also known as bussers, frequently get hired by family restaurants and restaurants to assist waiters in serving food to guests and responding to their orders. Tables are cleared, cleaned, and reset; beverages are refilled; and silverware is polished.
Do you need experience to be a kitchen assistant?
Other catering professions, such as kitchen porter or kitchen helper, where the worker could make food, assist chefs, and build their fundamental understanding of food preparation and organization, might be a helpful experience for a kitchen assistant.
What qualifications do you need to be a kitchen assistant?
Basic numerical and writing skills are needed. Some companies require individuals to have a Level 1 Award in Hospitality Industry Introduction, a Level 1 Certificate in General Cookery, or a Level 2 Award in Food Safety.
