SOC 2020 · 2461
Social workers
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Eligible
This occupation appears on Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
—
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£41,700
Home Office going rates from
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
- General threshold£41,700
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £33,996 |
| 25th | £39,517 |
| 50th | £44,550 |
| 75th | £49,959 |
| General threshold | £41,700 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £33,996 | £39,517 | £44,550 | £49,959 | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £41,769 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £42,390 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £48,443 | — | — |
| North East 2025 | — | — | £42,834 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.
Typical tasks
liaises with other health and social care professionals and agencies to identify those in need and at risk within the local community
interviews individuals and groups to assess and review the nature and extent of difficulties
undertakes and writes up assessments to specified standards
arranges for further counselling or assistance in the form of financial or material help
organises support and develops care plans to address service users’ needs
keeps case records, prepares reports and participates in team meetings
gives evidence in court
participates in training and supervision
Entry routes and qualifications
Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners must be registered with the appropriate statutory body. To register a social worker must satisfy the criteria for registration. Non-graduates must undertake a three year degree in social work; graduates with relevant experience may take a two year postgraduate diploma/Master’s degree. Prior relevant work experience or relevant voluntary work is encouraged. Background checks including a DBS check are required.