adminThe UK construction industry is experiencing rapid growth in 2025, leading to a huge demand for skilled laborers, particularly bricklayers. With wages now reaching £25–£30 per hour, bricklaying has become one of the most lucrative trades for immigrants seeking UK visa sponsorship jobs.
In fact, many construction companies across England, Scotland, and Wales are actively hiring skilled and semi-skilled bricklayers under various UK work visa categories, offering not just competitive salaries but also long-term settlement options for foreign workers.
This rise in demand is largely driven by housing projects, commercial construction, and government infrastructure programs.
For immigrants looking for high-paying jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, bricklaying offers a clear path to stable employment, attractive wages, and potential for career growth.
This article provides a detailed guide on bricklayer job requirements, salary expectations, regions with the highest pay, and visa options available in 2025.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
To work as a bricklayer in the UK, employers expect candidates to meet specific skill and experience standards, especially when offering visa sponsorship.
While formal education is not always mandatory, having industry-recognized certifications and basic English language skills can significantly improve your chances of getting hired by top construction companies.
Essential Skills for Bricklayer Jobs
- Practical Masonry Skills: Bricklaying requires precision, as workers must measure, cut, and align bricks or blocks accurately. Candidates should understand construction blueprints and building regulations.
- Physical Stamina and Strength: Working on construction sites involves heavy lifting, bending, and standing for long hours. Employers prefer physically fit candidates who can work efficiently in different weather conditions.
- Basic English Communication: Since safety instructions, teamwork, and project guidelines are given in English, basic communication skills are necessary, especially for immigrants under skilled worker visas.
- Health and Safety Knowledge: Workers must understand UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations to prevent accidents on construction sites.
Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Positions
For immigrants applying for bricklayer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, previous construction experience is highly valued. Some companies accept candidates with at least 1–2 years of masonry experience, while others provide on-the-job training for semi-skilled workers.
Candidates with NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Bricklaying or equivalent international qualifications often get better pay offers, especially in cities with high living costs.
Many construction firms also encourage candidates to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which proves that the worker understands health, safety, and environmental issues in the UK construction sector.
Apprenticeships and Entry Routes
In 2025, the UK government will continue to support apprenticeships for bricklayers, making it easier for immigrants with minimal experience to enter the workforce.
These programs often combine classroom instruction with practical training, leading to certifications recognized across the UK construction industry.
For those applying from outside the UK, employers offering Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship typically require proof of previous work experience or trade certification, ensuring that new hires meet the quality and safety standards of the British construction sector.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Not all areas in the UK pay bricklayers the same wages. In 2025, construction projects in urban centers and regions facing housing shortages offer the highest pay rates. Immigrants looking for £25–£30/hour bricklayer jobs should consider these regions where demand for skilled construction labor is exceptionally high.
London and Greater London
Bricklayers in London earn some of the highest wages in the UK due to the city’s high cost of living and continuous commercial and residential construction projects. Hourly wages range between £28–£30, with some private contractors paying even higher rates for urgent or specialized projects.
Southeast England
Counties like Surrey, Kent, and Berkshire have several housing developments and infrastructure projects offering £26–£29 per hour for experienced bricklayers. These areas also provide opportunities for long-term contracts under UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship programs.
Scotland
Cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow have reported a rising demand for construction workers due to government housing schemes. Pay rates here range between £25–£28 per hour, making Scotland an attractive option for immigrants seeking stable construction jobs with competitive wages.
Northern England
Regions like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are witnessing industrial growth, leading to increased demand for skilled bricklayers. Wages range from £25–£27 per hour, with opportunities for overtime pay and additional benefits for visa-sponsored workers.
Factors Affecting Regional Pay Differences
- Cost of Living: Urban areas offer higher wages to compensate for expensive housing and utilities.
- Project Size and Urgency: Large-scale or government-funded projects pay more to meet tight construction deadlines.
- Skill Level: Workers with advanced certifications like NVQ Level 3 or supervisory experience earn significantly higher hourly rates.
Salary Expectations for Bricklayers
In 2025, bricklaying has become one of the most financially rewarding construction trades in the UK, especially for immigrants on work visas. The average pay for a bricklayer varies based on experience, qualifications, location, and employer size.
Average Hourly Rates
- Entry-Level Bricklayers: £20–£24 per hour.
- Mid-Level Experienced Bricklayers: £25–£27 per hour.
- Highly Skilled/Specialized Bricklayers: £28–£30 per hour or more.
Immigrants with certifications such as NVQ Level 3 or advanced masonry skills can secure wages at the upper end of the pay scale, particularly in London and Southeast England.
Annual Salary Estimates
Assuming full-time work at £25–£30 per hour, bricklayers can earn:
- £52,000–£62,000 per year before taxes.
- Additional income through overtime pay, often billed at 1.5x the standard hourly rate.
- Bonuses for completing projects ahead of deadlines or working in high-demand areas.
Comparison with Other Construction Roles
While general laborers earn £18–£22 per hour, skilled trades like bricklaying consistently offer higher wages, reflecting the technical expertise required. This wage gap makes bricklaying one of the best-paying construction jobs for immigrants in 2025.
Future Salary Trends
Industry experts predict that wages for bricklayers will remain strong through 2026 and beyond due to housing demands and post-Brexit labor shortages. Employers are willing to sponsor visas for qualified foreign workers, ensuring steady wage growth in the coming years.
Companies Hiring Bricklayers in the UK
In 2025, several construction firms, infrastructure development companies, and private contractors are offering bricklayer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship due to the ongoing labor shortages.
Immigrants with the right skills and certifications have a wide range of employers to choose from, many of whom are ready to support visa applications for foreign workers.
Major Construction Firms
Companies such as Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, and Laing O’Rourke remain among the top employers for bricklayers across the UK.
These large construction firms handle major government and commercial projects, offering wages between £25–£30 per hour for experienced workers and long-term contracts under the Skilled Worker Visa route.
Regional Construction Contractors
Smaller regional companies like Miller Homes, Persimmon Homes, and Bellway are also hiring bricklayers for housing developments across the UK.
Many of these firms provide visa sponsorship for overseas workers to meet local labor shortages, especially in rural and semi-urban regions with ongoing housing projects.
Specialized Construction Agencies
Recruitment agencies such as Randstad Construction, Hays Specialist Recruitment, and Daniel Owen Ltd actively source bricklayers for both permanent and temporary contracts.
These agencies often help candidates secure work permits, visa sponsorship, and placements with competitive pay rates, particularly for projects in high-demand regions like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Government and Housing Associations
Some local councils and housing associations also recruit bricklayers directly for public housing projects. Although salaries here might be slightly lower than private contractors, benefits like pension schemes, holiday pay, and job security make these roles appealing to immigrants seeking stability in the UK construction sector.
Visa Types and Options for Bricklayers
Immigrants planning to work as bricklayers in the UK in 2025 must apply for the appropriate UK work visa that allows them to legally live and work in the country. With labor shortages in the construction sector, several visa options are available for foreign workers.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route for bricklayers. To qualify:
- Applicants need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Employers must be registered as licensed sponsors to provide visa sponsorship.
- The minimum salary requirement for construction workers is generally £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, which bricklayers earning £25–£30 per hour easily exceed.
This visa can lead to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years, making it ideal for immigrants seeking long-term careers in the UK.
Seasonal Worker Visa
For bricklayers seeking short-term construction work, the Seasonal Worker Visa offers opportunities to work in the UK for up to six months. Some contractors use this visa type for urgent housing projects requiring temporary skilled labor.
Health and Care Worker Visa (Indirect Option)
Although designed primarily for healthcare professionals, certain contractors developing healthcare facilities hire bricklayers under the Skilled Worker Visa route if construction firms are linked to public health projects funded by the NHS.
Sponsorship Process
Employers provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which applicants use to apply for their work visa online. Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency and meet financial requirements for visa approval.
Where to Find Bricklayer Jobs Opportunities
Immigrants searching for high-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship have multiple platforms and resources to explore. In 2025, online job boards, recruitment agencies, and direct employer websites make job searching easier for international applicants.
Online Job Portals
Websites like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and Construction Jobs UK list thousands of bricklayer vacancies across different regions. Many listings specifically mention “visa sponsorship available”, making it easy for foreign workers to target suitable roles.
Recruitment Agencies
Construction-focused agencies such as Randstad, Hays Construction, and PSR Solutions assist international workers in securing both job offers and visa sponsorship. They also provide CV guidance, interview preparation, and relocation support for overseas applicants.
Employer Websites
Top construction firms like Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, and Laing O’Rourke regularly advertise bricklayer vacancies on their career pages. Applying directly through employer websites can sometimes lead to faster hiring decisions and direct communication with HR departments handling visa sponsorship.
Social Media and Networking Platforms
Professional platforms such as LinkedIn allow immigrants to connect with recruiters, project managers, and construction companies seeking skilled workers. Joining UK construction forums and Facebook job groups can also reveal hidden job opportunities not posted on mainstream websites.
How to Apply for Bricklayer Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK
Applying for bricklayer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship involves several steps, from securing a job offer to completing the visa process. Immigrants must carefully prepare their applications to meet employer and immigration requirements.
Step 1: Prepare a UK-Standard CV
Applicants should create a professional CV highlighting:
- Bricklaying experience and certifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or 3).
- Health and Safety training, including CSCS card details.
- Previous international work experience with references.
- English language proficiency, if applicable.
Step 2: Search and Apply for Jobs
Use online job portals, recruitment agencies, and employer websites to find vacancies offering visa sponsorship. Applicants should target companies already approved as licensed visa sponsors to avoid delays in the hiring process.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Once an employer selects you, they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is essential for your UK Skilled Worker Visa application and proves that your employer is authorized to hire international workers.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa Online
Applicants must submit the following documents online via the UK Home Office website:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, if required).
- Evidence of sufficient funds for initial settlement.
- Valid passport and medical certificates (if applicable).
Visa processing typically takes 3–8 weeks depending on the applicant’s home country and workload at UK embassies.
Step 5: Relocate and Begin Work
Once the visa is approved, workers can relocate to the UK and start employment as per the terms of their contract. Many employers also provide accommodation assistance or relocation bonuses to make the transition smoother for international hires.
admin