Experienced Butcher in Reading

Your skills deserve more than a repetitive production line. As Experienced Butchers, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your capabilities across different areas of a well-established meat operation while building a secure, long-term career with an employer able to support a Skilled Worker Visa Change of Sponsorship.

Already living and working in the UK? This opportunity is specifically aimed at skilled people currently holding a Skilled Worker Visa who need to transfer their sponsorship to a new employer. You'll join an established, family-owned food business with more than 30 years of success, supplying quality meat products across the UK hospitality and foodservice sector.

What’s in it for you:

• Earn up to £17.00 per hour, depending on your skills and experience, equivalent to approximately £39,000 per year based on a 45-hour week.
• Skilled Worker Visa Change of Sponsorship available for eligible candidates already living and working in the UK.
• Develop your capabilities across different areas of the operation rather than remaining on one repetitive cutting station.
• Additional hours are often available during busier periods, with an overtime premium applying after 55 hours where applicable.
• Join an established team that already includes international colleagues, with support available to help new starters settle into the workplace and local area.
• House-sharing opportunities are available nearby, with the site within walking distance of the local town centre, shops, amenities and public transport.

Your responsibilities as Experienced Butcher:

• Carry out commercial meat preparation and cutting to the standards required by the business.
• Work with beef, pork and/or lamb according to your existing capabilities and production requirements.
• Work across different areas of the butchery operation to support production needs and broaden your technical skills.
• Maintain consistently high standards of workmanship and product quality.
• Complete allocated production workloads in line with your demonstrated skill level and experience.
• Support the efficient preparation of quality meat products for customers across the hospitality and foodservice sectors.

What we’re looking for in an Experienced Butcher:

• Previous commercial butchery experience.
• Practical experience working with poultry, beef, pork and/or lamb.
• Current residence and employment in the UK.
• An existing Skilled Worker Visa requiring a Change of Sponsorship.
• Practical cutting and preparation skills that can be demonstrated during a skills assessment.

The recruitment process includes an initial conversation with the recruiter, an online Teams interview with the employer and a practical skills assessment before successful candidates progress to an offer and sponsorship transfer. Practical skills assessments are currently scheduled for 8 August and 15 August, with limited places available.

Working hours:

• Minimum contracted hours are 45 hours per week, with a typical working week of 45–50 hours.
• Available shift patterns include:
• Day shift: Monday to Saturday, 4:00am–1:00pm
• Mid shift: 4:00am–4:00pm
• Night shift: 9:00pm–6:30am
• Exact shift patterns will be discussed during the interview process.
• Hours worked up to 55 per week are paid at the normal hourly rate, with an overtime premium applying after 55 hours where applicable.

If you're ready to put your skills to work with a stable employer, develop your craft and secure your next opportunity in the UK, apply today for the Experienced Butchers position.