Hotel Laundry Attendant Jobs in UK with Visa 2026
Hotel Laundry Attendant Jobs in UK with Visa 2026 While you may see job ads online claiming to offer this, most are misleading or scams. Under the current UK immigration rules, “Hotel Laundry Attendant” does not meet the skill level or salary requirements for a standard Skilled Worker Visa.
Here is the realistic situation for 2026, including the risks you need to avoid and the few genuine ways you might work in this role.
1. Why You Cannot Get a Skilled Worker Visa for this Job
To get a Skilled Worker Visa, a job must meet two strict government criteria:
- Skill Level: The job must be rated at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or higher. Laundry Attendant is considered a lower-skilled role (typically RQF Level 1 or 2) and is not eligible.
- Salary Threshold: The minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa has risen to £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher). Hotels typically pay laundry staff between £22,000 and £25,000, which is far below the requirement for sponsorship.
Beware of Scams: If you see a website (like “Guides Era” or “NewsNow”) advertising “Visa Sponsorship Hotel Laundry Attendant – £18/hour”, it is likely a scam.
- Red Flag: £18/hour is significantly higher than the standard UK rate for this work (approx. £11.44 – £12.50/hour).
- Red Flag: They often ask for money upfront for “visa processing” or “training fees.” Never pay for a job offer.
2. The ONLY Valid Visa Routes for This Job
You can work as a Laundry Attendant in the UK only if you do not require a job-specific sponsor. You must already have one of the following visas:
| Visa Type | Who is Eligible? | Can you work in Laundry? |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) | Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India (ballot), and others aged 18–30 (or 35 for some). | YES. You can work in any job, including laundry or housekeeping, for up to 2 years. |
| UK Ancestry Visa | Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK. | YES. You have full work rights for 5 years. |
| Student Visa | International students studying full-time in the UK. | YES, but only part-time (max 20 hours/week during term time). |
| Irish Citizenship | Citizens of Ireland. | YES. You have the automatic right to live and work in the UK. |
3. Are There “Shortage List” Exceptions?
- No. Hospitality roles like laundry staff, housekeepers, and concierges were removed from shortage lists.
- Seasonal Worker Visa: This exists but is strictly limited to horticulture (fruit picking) and poultry. It does not cover hotels.
. Requirements
If you want to work as a Laundry Attendant in the UK in 2026, you must meet two sets of requirements: Visa Eligibility and Job Competency.
A. Visa Requirements (The Hurdle)
Since you cannot get a specific visa for this job, you must generally already hold one of the following:
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: You are aged 18–30 (or 35) from eligible countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, India, South Korea).
- UK Ancestry Visa: You are a Commonwealth citizen with a UK-born grandparent.
- Dependent Visa: You are the partner/spouse of someone legally working or studying in the UK.
- Right of Abode / Irish Citizenship.
B. Job Requirements (The Role)
Employers look for the following skills and attributes:
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long shifts (8+ hours) and lift heavy loads of linen (up to 20kg).
- Chemical Safety: Knowledge of how to handle detergents, bleach, and spotting chemicals safely (COSHH regulations).
Salary
In 2026, the salary for Laundry Attendants will be dictated by the National Living Wage (minimum wage).
Realistic Salary
- Hourly Rate: £11.44 – £12.50 per hour (based on current trends and expected 2026 inflation adjustments).
- Annual Salary: £22,000 – £25,000 per year (based on a 40-hour week).
The “Visa Gap”
- Required Salary for Sponsorship: To get a Skilled Worker Visa, a job generally needs to pay £38,700+ per year.
- Laundry Salary: ~£23,000 per year.
- Result: Because the laundry salary is £15,000 lower than the visa requirement, sponsorship is impossible.
⚠️ SCAM ALERT: If you see an ad promising £18 – £30 per hour for a laundry job, it is a scam designed to steal your personal data or money.
How To Apply
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Conclusion
For 2026, finding a Hotel Laundry Attendant job with visa sponsorship is not a realistic goal. The UK immigration system has strictly removed low-skilled hospitality roles from sponsorship eligibility to reduce migration numbers.
- If you are outside the UK: You cannot apply for this specific job to enter the country. You must look for higher-skilled roles (Management level) or use the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- If you are inside the UK (with work rights): There are plenty of vacancies available. Hotels like Hilton, Marriott, and Travelodge are always hiring laundry staff, but they will ask to see your existing Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) before hiring you.
Do not pay any agency fees. Legitimate UK employers pay the recruitment costs themselves; they never ask the candidate for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are there any agencies that can sponsor me for a laundry job? A: No. Agencies cannot override UK government laws. Any agency claiming they can get you a visa for a laundry role is likely operating a scam.
Q2: Can I come on a Tourist Visa and look for laundry work? A: No. It is illegal to work on a Standard Visitor (Tourist) Visa. If caught, you will be deported and banned from re-entering the UK.
Q3: Is this job on the Shortage Occupation List? A: No. The “Shortage Occupation List” was replaced by the “Immigration Salary List,” and laundry roles are not included. Care Workers are on the list, but Hotel Laundry staff are not.
Q4: What if a hotel offers to sponsor me anyway? A: The Home Office will reject the application because the job code for Laundry Attendant (Code 9233) is not eligible for sponsorship. The hotel would lose their license if they tried to lie about the job title.
Q5: Which hospitality jobs can get a visa? A: You usually need to be at a management level. Roles such as Hotel Manager, Head Chef, or Housekeeping Manager (if the salary is above £38,700) are eligible for sponsorship.
