Cook assistant jobs in UK offer a practical entry point into the hospitality industry for foreigners. These roles support chefs with food prep, kitchen hygiene, and service flow. In 2026, many UK restaurants, hotels, and catering companies are hiring internationally due to staff shortages, offering visa sponsorship with an average wage of £11.50 per hour.
Why Are Cook Assistant Jobs in Demand in the UK?
1. Expanding Hospitality & Tourism Sector
The UK’s restaurant, hotel, and catering industry continues to grow, especially in cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds, increasing demand for kitchen support staff.
2. Ongoing Labour Shortages
Post-Brexit staffing gaps have left many kitchens understaffed. Cook assistants are now on the priority hiring list, pushing employers to sponsor overseas workers.
3. Growth in Catering & Takeaway Services
Events, corporate catering, and food delivery services rely heavily on kitchen assistants to handle high-volume food preparation.
4. Demand for International Cuisines
Global food trends have increased demand for diverse kitchen teams, creating opportunities for foreign workers with varied food backgrounds.
Types of Cook Assistant Jobs in the UK
Restaurant Cook Assistant
Supports chefs with ingredient prep, plating, dishwashing, and station cleaning in busy dine-in kitchens.
Hotel Kitchen Assistant
Works in large kitchens handling breakfast service, banquets, room service, and conference catering.
Catering Assistant
Assists with off-site events, food packing, buffet setup, and large-scale meal prep.
Fast Food Kitchen Assistant
Handles rapid food preparation, ingredient stocking, and hygiene in high-pressure environments.
Hospital or School Kitchen Assistant
Supports bulk meal preparation, portion control, and strict food safety standards.
Salary for Cook Assistant Jobs in the UK
Entry-Level Salary
- £11.50 per hour (average starting rate)
- Often includes staff meals, uniforms, and paid breaks
Experienced Roles
- Higher pay in hotels, London-based kitchens, and premium restaurants
- Overtime and weekend shifts increase earnings
Additional Benefits
- Free meals during shifts
- Flexible schedules
- On-the-job training and career progression
Cook Assistant Job Responsibilities
Food Preparation
Chopping vegetables, marinating meats, portioning ingredients, and preparing sauces.
Plating & Service Support
Assisting chefs during service to ensure timely and presentable dishes.
Kitchen Cleaning & Hygiene
Dishwashing, surface sanitation, waste management, and equipment cleaning.
Stock & Inventory Support
Receiving deliveries, checking freshness, and organizing storage areas.
Basic Cooking Tasks
Handling simple cooking under supervision during peak hours.
Food Safety Compliance
Following UK food hygiene, temperature control, and sanitation rules.
Requirements for Cook Assistant Jobs in the UK (Visa Sponsorship)
Basic Kitchen Knowledge
Entry-level roles often provide training, but familiarity with food prep is a plus.
Physical Stamina
Long standing hours, lifting supplies, and fast-paced work are part of the job.
Food Hygiene Awareness
Understanding basic food safety practices is essential.
Teamwork & Communication
Clear communication with chefs and kitchen staff keeps operations smooth.
Visa Eligibility
Most sponsored roles fall under the Skilled Worker Visa. Employers assist with:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Employment contract
- Supporting documents
How to Apply for Cook Assistant Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
1. Target Sponsoring Employers
Focus on hotels, restaurant chains, and catering companies known for sponsoring foreign workers.
2. Use the Right Job Platforms
Search on:
- Indeed UK
- Caterer.com
- LinkedIn Jobs
Use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or “skilled worker.”
3. Prepare a Kitchen-Focused CV
Highlight:
- Food prep experience
- Hygiene awareness
- Ability to work under pressure
4. Contact Hospitality Recruitment Agencies
Agencies such as Blue Arrow, Berkeley Scott, and Harrison Catering regularly place sponsored workers.
5. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
After receiving an offer, your employer will guide you through the visa process.
Conclusion:
Cook assistant positions in UK represent a viable entry point for international workers through the Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship pathway. Offering competitive hourly wages, industry training, and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a world-renowned hospitality sector, these roles are ideal for physically fit, team-oriented individuals passionate about food.
While formal qualifications are not always required, a strong work ethic and basic food safety awareness are essential. By targeting accredited employers, utilizing specialized recruitment agencies, and securing a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, you can establish a stable career that may lead to further advancement and long-term settlement in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can foreigners apply for cook assistant jobs in the UK?
Yes. Many UK employers hire international candidates and offer visa sponsorship due to staff shortages.
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What are the main responsibilities?
Duties include food prep (chopping, marinating), kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, stock management, and assisting chefs during service while adhering to food safety standards
