The demand for personal care aide jobs in the UK has been steadily rising due to an aging population and growing need for home and residential care. These roles are vital to helping the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill maintain a good quality of life, and they offer fulfilling career opportunities for both local and international applicants. If you’re looking to work in the UK care sector, this guide covers everything you need to know — including requirements, how to apply, visa sponsorship details, and 20 current job openings.
Also Read: 10 Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in Canada That Pay upto $70,000/Year
What Is a Personal Care Aide?
A personal care aide (PCA) assists individuals with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, mobility support, and companionship. These professionals often work in private homes, care homes, or supported living environments.
Requirements for Personal Care Aide Jobs in the UK
To become a personal care aide in the UK, you’ll typically need the following:
- Basic Qualifications: While no formal qualifications are required for entry-level roles, NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care is preferred.
- Experience: Prior care experience is an advantage but not mandatory. Many employers offer training.
- Soft Skills: Compassion, patience, good communication, and reliability are essential.
- Right to Work: UK citizens or valid visa holders can work. Some roles offer visa sponsorship for overseas applicants.
- DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable people.
- English Language: Reasonable English proficiency (especially for visa applicants) is usually required.
Do These Jobs Require a Visa?
Some personal care aide jobs in the UK come with visa sponsorship, especially those offered by licensed care providers registered with the UK Home Office. International applicants can apply under the Health and Care Worker visa, which allows overseas care workers to work legally in the UK for approved employers.
How to Apply for Personal Care Aide Jobs in the UK
- Search on Job Portals: Use platforms like Indeed, NHS Jobs, Totaljobs, and Carehome.co.uk.
- Apply Through Employer Sites: Apply directly on care company websites.
- Prepare Documents: CV, cover letter, references, proof of qualifications, and right-to-work documents.
- Visa Application (if applicable): If the employer offers sponsorship, they’ll guide you through the visa application.
20 Personal Care Aide Jobs in the UK (with Pay, Location & How to Apply)
- Care Assistant – Helping Hands Home Care
- Location: Birmingham
- Pay: £11.75/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
- Live-in Carer – Country Cousins
- Location: Nationwide
- Pay: £700–£850/week
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: country-cousins.co.uk
- Health Care Assistant – NHS Trust (London)
- Location: London
- Pay: £22,816–£24,336/year
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: jobs.nhs.uk
- Personal Care Assistant – Cera Care
- Location: Manchester
- Pay: £10.90–£12.50/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: ceracare.co.uk
- Caregiver – Bluebird Care
- Location: Leeds
- Pay: £11.00–£13.00/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: bluebirdcare.co.uk
- Senior Care Assistant – HC-One
- Location: Glasgow
- Pay: £12.20/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: hc-one.co.uk
- Home Care Assistant – Agincare
- Location: Portsmouth
- Pay: £10.60–£11.80/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: agincare.com
- Night Care Assistant – Bupa Care Homes
- Location: Liverpool
- Pay: £10.50–£11.75/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: careers.bupa.co.uk
- Live-in Support Worker – The Good Care Group
- Location: South East England
- Pay: £700–£865/week
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: thegoodcaregroup.com
- Care Worker – Abbeyfield Society
- Location: Sheffield
- Pay: £10.90–£12.00/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: abbeyfield.com
- Personal Care Worker – Radfield Home Care
- Location: Shrewsbury
- Pay: £11.00–£13.00/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: radfieldhomecare.co.uk
- Care Assistant – Home Instead
- Location: Reading
- Pay: £11.50–£13.50/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: homeinstead.co.uk
- Community Carer – MiHomecare
- Location: Cardiff
- Pay: £10.42/hour + mileage
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: mihomecare.com
- Care Worker – Alina Homecare
- Location: Bournemouth
- Pay: £11.00–£12.50/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: alinahomecare.com
- Care Assistant – Sanctuary Care
- Location: Coventry
- Pay: £10.90/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: sanctuary-care.co.uk
- Home Carer – Allied Healthcare
- Location: Newcastle
- Pay: £10.70/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: alliedhealthcare.com
- Domiciliary Carer – City & County Healthcare
- Location: Nottingham
- Pay: £11.00/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: candchealthcare.co.uk
- Residential Care Assistant – Anchor Hanover
- Location: Brighton
- Pay: £10.90/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: No
- Apply: anchor.org.uk
- Health Care Support Worker – NHS Scotland
- Location: Edinburgh
- Pay: £23,362/year
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: jobs.scot.nhs.uk
- Support Worker – Voyage Care
- Location: Bristol
- Pay: £10.70–£11.50/hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Apply: voyagecare.com
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to build a meaningful career in the UK, personal care aide jobs offer both stability and emotional reward. Whether you’re already in the UK or planning to relocate, many employers are actively recruiting with visa sponsorship options. Make sure to tailor your CV, meet the necessary requirements, and apply through trusted sources to increase your chances of success.
