Top 7 Jobs With the Most Vacancies in the UK 2026
Healthcare, social care, and logistics account for the largest share of unfilled roles in the UK in 2026. According to ONS data (May 2026), total vacancies stand at approximately 705,000. For EU workers in the UK, this creates real opportunity: employers in these sectors actively recruit from abroad and many roles do not require formal qualifications. Below are the 7 jobs with the most open positions, what they pay, and what you need on your CV.
1. Care worker — 111,000 vacancies in social care alone
Care work is the single largest source of unfilled jobs in the UK. According to Skills for Care (2024/25 data), the adult social care sector had 111,000 vacancies — nearly three times the wider economy average.
- Salary: £23,000–£28,000/year (£12.71–£14.50/hour)
- Employers: local councils, private care homes, NHS trusts
- Requirements: DBS check, Care Certificate (during induction)
- No formal qualifications required
Show reliability and people skills on your CV. See CV template →
2. Healthcare assistant — the NHS's fastest route in
HCA roles are among the most frequently advertised NHS positions. Band 2 starts at £24,169/year (2026/27). Many trusts offer Health and Care Worker visa sponsorship.
- Salary: £24,169–£27,476 depending on band and location
- Employers: NHS trusts, GP surgeries, community clinics
- No formal qualifications for Band 2 — training provided
Use UK healthcare vocabulary: 'patient observations', 'personal care'. See CV template →
3. Warehouse operative — logistics keeps hiring at scale
UK warehousing employs over 600,000 people. Amazon UK operates 30+ fulfilment centres. Average salary: £26,051/year. Night shifts pay £15.94/hour.
- Salary: £24,000–£32,000 with overtime
- Employers: Amazon, DHL, XPO Logistics, Tesco
- Forklift licence adds £1–£3/hour
Emphasise physical capability and reliability. See CV template →
4. Kitchen porter — hospitality's hardest role to fill
UK Hospitality estimates the sector is short 100,000+ workers. Kitchen porters earn £22,000–£26,000/year. No qualifications required.
- Salary: £22,000–£26,000/year
- Employers: hotels, pubs, NHS canteens, universities
- Easiest role to start immediately
5. Cleaner — steady demand across every sector
Commercial cleaning is a £12 billion UK industry. Average: £13.09/hour (Indeed UK, 2026). London roles reach £14.80/hour.
- Salary: £22,000–£27,000 full-time
- Employers: ISS, Sodexo, OCS Group, NHS
- No qualifications needed
6. Delivery driver — flexible work, growing demand
Amazon's employed roles start at £14.05/hour. Self-employed couriers earn £500–£800/week gross.
- Salary: £25,000–£35,000 employed
- Employers: Amazon, DPD, Royal Mail, Evri
- Requirements: full driving licence, clean record
7. Sales assistant — retail's year-round hiring machine
Retail employs 2.9 million in the UK. Tesco starts at £13.28/hour (£14.55 inside M25).
- Salary: £22,500–£26,000 full-time
- Employers: Tesco, Primark, JD Sports, M&S
- No formal qualifications needed
Use UK terminology: 'till operation', 'stock replenishment'. See CV template →
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