Two weeks tomorrow, the January transfer window will open, offering Newcastle United a much-needed opportunity to improve a squad that’s suddenly looking thin in a few key areas.
At the back, we’re missing Dan Burn for the next six weeks, have Sven Botman managing a back issue and two out of contract defenders ruled out until the new year in Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.
In attack, Nick Woltemade is battling fatigue and Yoane Wissa is still building match sharpness after a long battle with a knee injury, while Will Osula continues to be linked with a January switch to Frankfurt despite an ongoing ankle issue.
This brings us nicely to two areas of the pitch Newcastle look set to target in January, with The i’s Mark Douglas reporting that a versatile defender and striker are on the agenda.
Newcastle are expected to be ‘active’ next month and realise this is an appropriate time to add some mid-season ‘impetus’ to the side.
A new defender is considered the minimum requirement, with a versatile option making sense given our lack of full-back cover to protect the young and recently injured duo of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, coupled with the unlikely event Matt Targett returns from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Up top, a lot may depend on Osula’s fitness and future as a switch to Frankfurt beckons, meaning the arrival of another striker could be heavily dependant on the Dane.
If he stays, is there room for another striker? I’m not so sure. But if he does depart, be it on loan or permanently, we absolutely need another option.
As for who could arrive, Newcastle have been watching Toulouse wing-back Dayann Methalie, while Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez is another young defender club scouts have been tracking.
Young Brazilian Rayan Vitor has also been linked, while Porto striker Samu Aghehowa was discussed as an option over the summer, but is surely too expensive to sign as an Osula replacement.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
