Which Sectors in the UK Are Hiring International Workers the Most?

The UK has long been a destination for international talent across various industries. With a dynamic economy and increasing demand for skilled professionals, the UK continues to offer abundant opportunities for workers from around the globe. Several sectors, in particular, have seen a significant increase in hiring international talent, driven by workforce shortages, industry growth, and the need for specialized skills. This article explores the top sectors in the UK that are currently hiring the most international workers and why these industries are relying on foreign expertise.

• The UK Skilled Worker visa is key for addressing UK workforce shortages in high-demand sectors.
• The NHS needs 250,000 new staff by 2036/37, driving healthcare recruitment.
• The UK tech sector will add 380,000 jobs by 2035, with IT roles in high demand.
• Teacher recruitment in STEM, MFL, and SEND remains 30% below target (2024).
• Engineering demand rises with ongoing investment in infrastructure and renewable energy.

The Role of the UK Skilled Worker Visa in Meeting Workforce Needs

The UK Skilled Worker visa is vital in bridging workforce gaps across sectors that face chronic shortages. By enabling employers to sponsor overseas talent, it ensures that industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education have access to the skilled professionals they urgently need.

For employers, this visa provides a structured and legal framework to attract global expertise, reducing reliance on temporary staffing. For international professionals, it offers fair wages, career development, and a pathway to permanent residency, making the UK an attractive destination for long-term opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Skilled Worker visa applications rose to 256,300 in 2024, up from 127,300 in 2021.
• Over 648,000 Health & Care Worker visas issued since 2022, easing NHS shortages.
• Shortage roles get lower salary thresholds and reduced fees for easier access.
• Visa holders can gain Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
• Employers fill key roles in healthcare, IT, education, engineering, and finance.

Sectors in the UK Most Actively Hiring International Workers

The UK’s economy is increasingly reliant on international talent, with various sectors experiencing significant growth and workforce shortages. Overseas professionals are filling critical roles in industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and finance. These sectors are actively seeking skilled professionals to meet growing demand, fill gaps, and support ongoing economic development. Below is a closer look at the top sectors in the UK hiring international workers, the roles in demand, and the associated salary ranges.

Sector	Role	Salary Range	Key Demand Drivers
Healthcare	Nurses	£28,000 – £45,000	NHS needs 250,000 additional staff by 2036/37; high demand from countries like India and Philippines.
	Care Workers	£21,000 – £28,000	Aging population creating a growing demand for care workers.
	Physiotherapists	£30,000 – £45,000	Essential allied health professionals, with demand rising in hospitals and outpatient care.
Information Technology (IT)	Software Developers	£40,000 – £70,000	Strong demand in cloud technologies, JavaScript, Python, and big data.
	Cybersecurity Specialists	£50,000 – £85,000	Increasing cyber threats and digital transformation driving demand.
	Cloud Engineers	£45,000 – £80,000	Adoption of cloud services boosting hiring in the IT and digital sectors.
Engineering	Civil Engineers	£35,000 – £65,000	HS2 and other major infrastructure projects requiring skilled civil engineers.
	Mechanical Engineers	£33,000 – £60,000	Growth in renewable energy and industrial automation fuelling demand.
	Electrical Engineers	£34,000 – £62,000	Engineers needed for the transition to green energy, especially wind and solar power.
Education	Secondary STEM Teachers	£32,000 – £55,000	Recruitment struggles in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and STEM subjects.
	SEND Teachers	£32,000 – £55,000	Increased need for teachers trained to support students with Special Educational Needs (SEND).
	Primary Teachers	£28,000 – £45,000	Persistent teacher shortages, especially in disadvantaged areas.
Finance and Accounting	Financial Analysts	£40,000 – £70,000	Demand for financial analysts due to market changes and regulatory requirements.
	Accountants	£35,000 – £65,000	High demand for management and tax accountants, especially those with ACA, ACCA, CIMA qualifications.
	Investment Bankers	£50,000 – £90,000	Investment banking roles, particularly in mergers & acquisitions and capital markets.

Benefits of Working in the UK

For international professionals, the UK offers many benefits that make it an attractive destination:

• Competitive salaries: Many roles in high-demand sectors offer salaries well above the minimum visa thresholds.
• Pathway to permanent residency: The Skilled Worker visa provides a clear route to permanent residency after five years, offering long-term stability.
• Diverse and inclusive work culture: The UK is known for its diverse and inclusive workforce, which makes it an appealing destination for international professionals.
• Career growth opportunities: The dynamic nature of the UK economy offers significant career advancement and development prospects, especially in fast-growing sectors like IT, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Conclusion: The UK’s Growing Appeal for International Talent

The UK continues to be one of the world’s top destinations for skilled professionals, especially in industries facing significant workforce shortages. From healthcare and IT to engineering, education, and finance, demand for international workers is set to remain high. The Skilled Worker visa offers an accessible and streamlined route for overseas talent to join the UK’s workforce, contribute their skills, and enjoy a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and long-term stability.

With many sectors actively seeking international professionals, the UK presents vast opportunities for skilled individuals looking to build a successful future in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

FAQs

Which sectors in the UK are hiring the most international workers?

The sectors in the UK which are hiring the most international workers are given below:

Sector	Job Role
Healthcare	Nurses
	Midwives
	Care Workers
	Physiotherapists
	Radiographers
IT and Digital	Software Developers
	Cybersecurity Specialists
	Data Scientists
	Cloud Engineers
	AI Engineers
Engineering	Civil Engineers
	Mechanical Engineers
	Electrical Engineers
	Design Engineers
	Automation Engineers
Education	Secondary STEM Teachers
	SEND Teachers
	Primary Teachers
	MFL Teachers
	Early Years Teachers
Finance	Financial Analysts
	Accountants
	Investment Bankers
	Auditors
	Tax Specialists

What are the salary ranges for international workers in the UK?

Salaries for international workers vary widely depending on the sector and role. For example, in healthcare, nurses earn between £28,000 – £45,000 and care workers between £21,000 – £28,000. In IT, software developers earn between £40,000 – £70,000, while cybersecurity specialists can earn from £50,000 – £85,000. In engineering, salaries range from £33,000 for mechanical engineers to £65,000 for civil engineers.

These ranges are competitive compared to global standards, particularly for roles on the Shortage Occupation List.

How does the Skilled Worker visa help international workers in the UK?

The Skilled Worker visa is a structured immigration pathway that allows international professionals to live and work in the UK. It provides a clear route for workers with relevant skills to contribute to critical sectors facing workforce shortages. The visa offers the opportunity for long-term employment and eventual Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. Additionally, it makes it easier for overseas talent to apply for jobs in high-demand industries, such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education, with reduced application fees for roles on the Shortage Occupation List.

Are there any specific shortages in the healthcare sector in the UK?

Yes, the NHS is facing significant shortages, particularly for nurses, midwives, and care workers. The UK is expected to need an additional 250,000 healthcare staff by 2036/37. Allied health professionals such as radiographers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists are also in demand. Care workers are needed to support the aging population, and senior care workers are sought after for more complex care roles. These shortages make the healthcare sector a key area for international recruitment, with many roles on the Shortage Occupation List.

How do salary thresholds differ for international workers in the UK?

Salary thresholds for international workers depend on the role, sector, and applicant category. The general salary threshold for most roles under the Skilled Worker visa is £26,200 per year. However, for shortage occupation roles, such as healthcare and teaching, the threshold is lowered to £23,040. For new entrants, including those under 26 or recent graduates, the threshold is further reduced to £20,960. These flexible thresholds are designed to encourage international workers to fill gaps in sectors with high demand for skilled professionals.