How to get Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work in the UK
If you have hopes of travelling to the United Kingdom, but are worried about accommodation costs, you may want to consider applying for jobs that offer free accommodation in exchange for work in the UK.
There are plenty of organisations which provide you with a steady job along with safe and clean digs in various parts of England, Wales and Ireland. To help you understand more about the process, here are examples of how to work in exchange for free accommodation in the UK.
Become a Petsitter
Combine your love of animals with your love of travel and become a Trusted Housesitter
There are plenty of people in the UK who are looking for trusted housesitters to stay at their place for free in exchange for watching their pets. For animal lovers who are responsible, reliable, and looking for a great way to travel around the UK with free accommodation, you can get started with the petsitting network, Trusted Housesitters. It’s the #1 platform where you can find tons of different options, from a chic flat in London, to a seaside countryhouse in Cornwall. A basic membership starts at just €99 for unlimited housesits worldwide, which is well-worth the cost when you think about how much accommodation in the UK can be!
Volunteer with a charity
Volunteer with an organisation that offers free accommodation in exchange for work
One of the most rewarding ways to earn your stay is by volunteering with a charity. There are various programmes that offer charity fundraiser roles that involve door-to-door charity fundraising to help fund the chosen cause.
Companies such as Wesser provide charity fundraisers work that helps them earn £10 an hour plus commission, along with free access to shared accommodation. This typically consists of a large four to five-bedroom property with various communal living areas which cater to the staff’s every need.
Work in hospitality
Some hospitality sectors in the UK offer free accommodation in exchange for work
Another great way to earn and live while travelling in the UK is by working in the hospitality sector. This could include working in a hotel as a live-in staff member who takes on the role of a receptionist or even a hotel manager.
In the UK, there are a variety of seaside and lake and holiday camps that hire seasonal workers in the spring and summer months. These jobs typically offer fair pay along with free accommodation in a cosy cabin or even a quirky tepee.
Become a live-in nanny
Become an Au Pair and get free accommodation in exchange for work
If you enjoy travelling and love kids, why not become a live-in nanny in the UK? There are plenty of vacancies available in this field. This will provide you with work in exchange for free accommodation which will definitely be a lavish and unique experience in the UK, as the majority of employers will be extremely wealthy.
There are also financial benefits of becoming a nanny, as on average, they earn upwards of £350 per week. This works out a lot cheaper than rent and can also fund your meals, as you will likely be given extra pocket money for food for you and the children. You can also use the remainder of your earnings to fund the rest of your travels.
Work on an organic farm
Work on an organic farm in the UK in exchange for free accommodation
If your dream is to travel and stay in picturesque locations, you should consider volunteering on an organic farm. This will involve living and working in the farm, where you will get involved in jobs such as picking grapes or even milking a cow or two.
One of the most popular organisations is WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which offers global opportunities for like-minded people looking to work, stay and learn all about farm life. Workaway is another great company which allows travellers to find free accommodation in exchange for farm work, while also offering the freedom of travelling like a local.
Now you have all the information you need regarding work in exchange for free accommodation in the UK, have you decided which route is right for you? Whatever you choose, it is important that you first check your visa eligibility to ensure you can legally work in the UK.
It is also vital that you thoroughly research the company you are planning to work for by looking at reviews and asking around for personal recommendations. This will ensure that your experience will be completely legal, safe and enjoyable.
About the author
Heather Barrigan
Heather Barrigan is a Political Correspondent at ImmiNews, specializing in outreach and the creation of engaging and informative immigration-related content.
I have submitted my fresh application to the Home Office.
I have lived in the UK for the past thirteen years. I was told if by February 2023, the Home Office does not respond, I could ask for accommodation from them.
Until then at least is there any place /family that will help me with accommodation. I will get my work rights by February, 2023.
I am a qualified carer with experience.
I am sixty years old.
hi we may have accommodation but would need you to work with us in return ? would this be possible for you at the moment we are renavating a propetry and need some extra hands maintaining the garden would this be a interest to you? you email me on [email protected]
Hi I’m Adam,
This sounds exactly what I’m thinking about, I’ve got a general idea around most building projects and would love to be considered if at all possible.
Kind regards Adam.
I applied for a UK Visa, and it is almost out but the challenge I am facing right now is that I don’t have someone to accommodate me let alone a place to stay if I come over. I don’t know if there are possibilities for me to get a job with accommodations.