30 April 2025 · Head Chef
Struggling to hire chefs in the UK? Learn how Brexit and new visa rules are fuelling the chef shortage in 2025 — and what your hospitality business can do about it.
Hiring chefs in the UK has never been easy — but in 2025, thanks to a tangled web of immigration rules and labour shortages, it’s become a serious crisis for pubs, restaurants, and hospitality groups nationwide.
Whether you're running a neighbourhood gastropub or overseeing a multi-site restaurant operation, it's likely you’ve felt the squeeze. The skilled candidates just aren’t out there like they used to be.
So what’s really driving the shortage? And what do the latest visa rules mean for your ability to hire chefs from abroad?
Let’s break it down.
There’s no single culprit, but Brexit and immigration policy are central.
Pre-2020, many UK kitchens were staffed by chefs and kitchen workers from the EU — experienced professionals from Spain, Italy, France, Poland and more. Under freedom of movement, they could come here, start work immediately, and help power the UK hospitality industry.
But Brexit changed everything. Since 2021:
It’s estimated that 120,000 EU workers left UK hospitality. That’s a talent drain we haven’t recovered from.
Meanwhile, the domestic chef pipeline isn’t strong enough to fill the gap. Fewer people are training to become chefs, and long hours, high stress, and relatively low pay have put many off the profession entirely.
If you're thinking, “Can’t I just sponsor a visa for a chef from overseas?”, the answer is technically yes — but in reality, it’s complicated, expensive, and often not feasible for smaller businesses.
Here’s why:
As of April 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700. That’s a huge jump from the previous ~£26,000 threshold.
Many chef roles — especially chef de partie and sous chef positions — don’t pay that much. So even if you find a great candidate abroad, you legally can’t sponsor them unless you’re offering £38.7k+.
Some exceptions exist for “new entrants” under 26 or graduates, but it still excludes most junior- and mid-level roles.
Even if the salary works, the financial and admin burden can be a dealbreaker:
If you’re a small pub or independent restaurant, that’s a lot to commit for one hire.
Being a sponsor comes with legal responsibilities:
Mistakes can result in fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker. For most small operators, it’s just too risky and admin-heavy.
Previously, chef roles (excluding fast food) were listed as shortage occupations, meaning:
But in 2024, the list was replaced with a new Immigration Salary List — and chef roles didn’t make the cut.
That makes overseas hiring even harder, especially for mid-level kitchen roles.
While changing immigration policy isn’t something most employers can control, there are a few actions you can take right now:
Keeping the chefs you already have is more important than ever. Think:
✅ Better rotas and time off
✅ Clear progression pathways
✅ Investing in training or mentorship
✅ Culture that values staff wellbeing
Even small changes can reduce churn — and save you from going back to square one.
Consider:
If you can afford the costs and admin, sponsoring a visa could still work — particularly for head chefs or high-value roles.
Make sure:
It’s not for everyone, but for some businesses it’s a viable long-term option.
The UK hospitality industry is at a turning point.
Chef shortages are real — and they’re not going away overnight. Brexit and tough visa rules have reshaped how we hire. But with a clearer understanding of the system, and a few smart moves, businesses can still find great talent.
At Only Chefs, we’re here to make that easier. Whether you’re looking to fill your next kitchen role or build a long-term team, we help employers connect with committed, career-minded chefs — no agencies, no fluff.
👨🍳 Ready to hire better?
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