Electrician jobs in the UK and London: the card, the pay and how to get hired
Most UK sites want to see an ECS card before an electrician starts. Electricians earn roughly £200–£350 a day (London usually more), and as a self-employed CIS subcontractor 20% is taken off at source. Below: what firms check, how to get started, and electrician jobs open right now.
Rates: indicative 2026 ranges from published UK price guides — see day rates 2026. CIS: gov.uk.
Open jobs for electricians right now
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How to get hired as an electrician in the UK
Match your qualifications to the UK standard
The ECS Gold “Installation Electrician” card needs an NVQ Level 3 (for example 2357), the AM2 assessment and the 18th Edition (BS 7671). Trained abroad? The JIB has routes for experienced workers — check ecscard.org.uk.
Get your ECS card
Pass the ECS Health, Safety & Environment assessment and apply online. Keep a photo of the card on your phone — most firms ask for it before your first day.
Sort out how you'll be paid
Self-employed under CIS (you need a UTR number) or PAYE / agency. CIS pays a higher day rate; PAYE includes holiday pay.
Apply — and get on the crew list
Apply to the jobs below in 30 seconds, no CV upload. Then join the crew list so firms needing electricians text you first.
What firms check before they hire an electrician
Your ECS card
Gold card for unsupervised installation work. Employers can check ECS cards online — never buy or borrow a card.
18th Edition certificate
BS 7671 is the UK wiring regulation; most commercial firms ask for the current edition.
Your own hand tools
Plus a calibrated multifunction tester if the job includes testing and certification.
The right experience
Say clearly what you've done: first fix, second fix, containment, commercial fit-out, domestic rewires, testing. A driving licence helps on multi-site work.
Real firms don't charge workers for a job, a card or a “place on site”. Ads on Graftum that ask workers to pay are removed and the number blocked.
What you actually take home
Example: at £250 a day, a 5-day week is £1,250. As a self-employed subcontractor registered for CIS, the firm takes 20% (£250) and pays you £1,000. 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
Do electricians need an ECS card or a CSCS card?
On most UK sites electricians show an ECS card — the electrotechnical industry's card scheme, recognised on CSCS sites. Some small domestic jobs don't ask for a card, but commercial sites almost always do.
Can I work as an electrician in the UK with qualifications from abroad?
Yes, but for the ECS Gold card your experience has to be assessed to the UK standard (NVQ Level 3 and AM2). Many start as electrician's mates or improvers while they do that.
How much does an electrician earn per day in London?
Published 2026 guides put electricians at roughly £200–£350 a day across the UK, with London usually 15–25% higher. Cards, experience and the type of work set your exact rate.
Self-employed (CIS) or PAYE — which pays more?
CIS pays a higher day rate, but 20% is taken at source and you cover holidays, tools and the gaps between jobs. PAYE and agency rates look lower but include holiday pay and employment rights.
How do I apply for electrician jobs on Graftum?
Open a job and press Apply — about 30 seconds, no account and no CV upload. The firm gets your name and number and calls you.
