Cleaning Operatives — multiple roles

As per the UK Government, the National Living Wage for restaurant roles such as waiters and kitchen staff aged 21 and over is £12.80 per hour as of 1 April 2026. Employers must pay this rate for all hours worked including overtime at the same rate. This applies to all restaurant jobs regardless of contract type.

As per the UK Government, non-UK citizens require a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by a licensed restaurant employer for roles meeting the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the occupation code. The visa costs £719 for up to 3 years and must be applied for before starting work. Seasonal Worker visas are not available for permanent restaurant positions.

As per the UK Government, restaurant kitchen staff must hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent before handling food, with training completed within the first month of employment. No formal education qualification is required but the certificate must be verifiable by the employer. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance under food safety regulations.

As per the UK Government, restaurant workers cannot exceed an average of 48 hours per week over a 17-week reference period unless they opt out in writing. Full-time staff receive at least 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave including bank holidays. Employers must provide payslips showing exact hours and holiday accrual.