Carpenter and joiner jobs in the UK and London: the card, the pay and how to get hired
UK sites usually want a carpenter to hold a blue CSCS Skilled Worker card (NVQ Level 2). Carpenters and joiners earn roughly £180–£280 a day (London usually more). Firms hire for first fix or second fix — say clearly which you do. Here's what they check and the carpentry jobs open now.
Rates: indicative 2026 ranges from published UK price guides — see day rates 2026. CIS: gov.uk.
Open jobs for carpenters right now
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How to get hired as a carpenter in the UK
Get the right CSCS card
NVQ Level 2 in site carpentry or bench joinery gives the blue Skilled Worker card. No NVQ yet? Red-card routes exist for trainees and experienced workers — see every CSCS card explained.
Know which side you are
First fix: stud walls, joists, roofs, door linings. Second fix: doors, skirting, architrave, kitchens, ironmongery. Many firms hire separately for each.
Bring 110V site tools
Most UK sites only allow 110V power tools (through a transformer) or battery tools — 230V plug-in tools are usually refused at the gate.
Apply — and get on the crew list
Apply below in 30 seconds, no CV upload, and join the crew list so firms text you when they need carpenters.
What firms check before they hire a carpenter
Your CSCS card
Blue or gold, in date — photo on your phone.
First or second fix experience
Plus the type of work: new-build houses, flats, commercial fit-out, timber frame.
Your own tools
Mitre saw, circular saw, drill drivers, nail gun, levels — 110V or battery.
Transport
A van or car matters for second fix across several plots or sites.
What you actually take home
Example: at £220 a day, a 5-day week is £1,100. As a self-employed subcontractor registered for CIS, the firm takes 20% (£220) and pays you £880. If you're not registered for CIS, they take 30%.
That 20% is an advance on your tax and National Insurance, not a fee. After the tax year ends (5 April) many workers get part of it back — more if they keep receipts for tools, PPE and travel. See the CIS refund guide and what you can claim.
Before your first CIS payment you need a UTR number and to register with HMRC as self-employed — how to get a UTR.
Put yourself on the crew list: 1 minute, free, no account. Firms looking for your trade text you directly.
Join the crew list →Common questions
Which CSCS card does a carpenter need?
Usually the blue Skilled Worker card with an NVQ Level 2 in carpentry or joinery; Level 3 gives the gold Advanced Craft card. Trainees and experienced workers without the NVQ use red cards.
What's the difference between first fix and second fix?
First fix is the structure before plastering — studs, joists, roofs, linings. Second fix is everything after — doors, skirting, architrave, kitchens. Pay and tools differ, so say which you do.
Why do UK sites want 110V tools?
110V through a site transformer greatly reduces the risk of a fatal shock, so most sites only allow 110V or battery tools.
How much does a carpenter earn per day in London?
Published 2026 guides put carpenters and joiners at roughly £180–£280 a day across the UK, with London usually 15–25% higher.
How do I apply for carpentry jobs on Graftum?
Open a job and press Apply — about 30 seconds, no account, no CV upload. The firm gets your name and number and calls you.
