Top 12 Resources for Painters Decorators London Jobs in 2025
- Ricky Cohen
- Oct 18
- 15 min read
The demand for skilled painters and decorators across London's residential and commercial sectors is consistently high, but navigating the crowded job market can be a real challenge. From sifting through countless listings to finding roles that match your skills and pay expectations, the search can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. This guide simplifies the process by cutting through the noise.
We've compiled and analysed the 12 best online resources for securing painters decorators london jobs in 2025. This curated list covers everything from major UK job boards like Indeed and Totaljobs to specialist platforms such as MyBuilder and Checkatrade, which are ideal for self-employed professionals seeking direct client work. Each entry provides a clear overview, practical application tips, and a frank assessment of its pros and cons to help you decide where to focus your efforts.
Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a permanent position with a top construction firm or a contractor wanting to build a steady stream of local projects, this resource will guide you to the right platform. As you navigate the various options listed here, you'll find it immensely beneficial to discover top job application tracker tools to efficiently manage your applications and follow-ups. Let's explore the most effective places to find your next role in the capital.
1. Phoenix Gray Rec Ltd Jobs Board: Your Specialist Connection
Phoenix Gray Rec Ltd offers a dedicated and highly focused job board that stands out as a premier resource for skilled tradespeople. Unlike generalist platforms, its entire ecosystem is built around the construction industry. This specialisation ensures that every listing for painters decorators London jobs is relevant, vetted, and posted by employers who understand the trade, from local firms to major PLCs. The platform provides a direct, efficient route to quality opportunities across London, with a strong presence in desirable boroughs like Westminster and Richmond.
What truly elevates Phoenix Gray is its integrated 360-degree recruitment model. You aren't just applying into a void; you are connecting with a team of experienced recruitment specialists. This personalised approach streamlines the job search, offering tailored alerts and straightforward application processes. The user interface is clean and job-centric, making it easy to filter and find roles without unnecessary distractions. This focused environment is ideal for professionals who value efficiency and want to work with an agency that builds genuine, long-term relationships with its candidates. For more context on the sector, you can explore their insights on the British construction jobs market.
Key Strengths & Use Cases
Specialised Filtering: The platform excels at connecting qualified painters and decorators with roles that precisely match their skill sets, significantly reducing time wasted on irrelevant listings.
Direct Agency Support: Candidates benefit from direct communication with recruitment experts who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the application and placement process.
Access to Vetted Employers: Opportunities are sourced from a network of trusted construction companies, ensuring job quality and reliability.
High-Demand London Locations: The board frequently features roles in sought-after areas of London, providing access to premium projects.
Pros:
Highly relevant job listings curated by trade specialists.
Strong London presence with a variety of desirable project locations.
Direct support from a professional and reliable recruitment agency.
Cons:
Niche focus means fewer roles if you seek work outside construction.
Popular listings are filled quickly, requiring proactive and regular checks.
2. Indeed UK
As one of the UK’s largest and most recognisable job aggregators, Indeed is an essential platform for anyone searching for painters decorators London jobs. Its sheer volume of listings is its primary advantage, pulling in vacancies from company career pages, recruitment agencies, and direct employer posts. This creates a comprehensive marketplace where you can find everything from one-day cash-in-hand gigs to permanent salaried positions within large facilities management firms.
The platform's user experience is straightforward, allowing for quick searches and applications. Setting up job alerts is highly recommended; you can create specific alerts for "painter decorator" within a 5-mile radius of a particular London postcode and receive daily emails with new matches. This proactive approach ensures you're among the first to see fresh opportunities.
Key Benefit: The platform's powerful search filters allow you to narrow down roles by pay grade, contract type (permanent, temporary, contract), and even specific companies, saving you significant time.
Pros and Cons
Pro: The volume of listings is unmatched, providing the widest possible view of the current job market.
Pro: The simple CV upload and "Easily Apply" feature streamline the application process for many roles.
Con: High competition is a significant factor, as thousands of jobseekers use the site daily.
Con: You may encounter duplicate job ads posted by multiple recruitment agencies for the same role, which can be confusing.
Website: https://indeed.co.uk
3. Totaljobs
Totaljobs is another major UK job board that holds significant weight in the construction and trade sectors. It has a robust and frequently updated section dedicated specifically to painters decorators London jobs, making it a go-to resource. The platform hosts a healthy mix of listings from direct employers, such as hotel chains and property maintenance companies, alongside opportunities from specialist trade recruitment agencies.
Its interface is clean and the search functionality is effective, allowing you to quickly find relevant roles. One of its standout features for tradespeople is the clarity around pay, with many adverts clearly stating hourly or day rates upfront. This transparency helps you quickly assess if a role meets your financial requirements before you even click to apply, saving valuable time in your job hunt.
Key Benefit: Many listings explicitly state the pay rate (per hour or per day), which is a huge advantage for tradespeople looking for contract work and needing to evaluate opportunities quickly.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Strong focus on London-based roles, with a consistent flow of new temporary and day-rate contracts.
Pro: Clear salary and rate information is displayed prominently on a large number of job advertisements.
Con: There can be some crossover and duplication with listings from its sister site, Jobsite, which is part of the same network.
Con: As a large, generalist site, some non-specific or lower-quality agency roles can occasionally clutter search results.
Website: https://www.totaljobs.com
4. Reed.co.uk
As a major UK-focused job board, Reed.co.uk provides a strong, curated platform for sourcing painters decorators London jobs. A key differentiator is its powerful location-based filtering, allowing you to search specifically by London zones or individual boroughs. This hyper-local approach is ideal for professionals looking to minimise travel time and find work close to home, a significant advantage in a city as sprawling as London. The site hosts a healthy mix of vacancies from both direct employers and specialist construction recruitment agencies.
The platform is transparent, often displaying average salary data for specific roles, which helps you benchmark your expectations. Once you've secured a role, it’s wise to prepare properly; you can explore tips for your first day on a construction site. Setting up job alerts for your preferred boroughs is a smart move, ensuring you receive timely notifications for the most relevant local opportunities.
Key Benefit: The ability to drill down searches to specific London boroughs and zones makes Reed.co.uk exceptionally useful for finding highly localised painter and decorator roles.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Effective locality filters within Greater London are perfect for targeting work in specific areas.
Pro: Transparent job counts and visible salary information provide valuable market insights.
Con: On some days, it may have fewer listings compared to larger job aggregators like Indeed.
Con: The mix of agency and direct employer posts means you may need to tailor your application approach.
Website: https://www.reed.co.uk
5. CV-Library
As a major UK job board with a vast CV database, CV-Library is heavily favoured by recruitment agencies, making it a hotspot for painters decorators London jobs. Its strength lies in the high visibility it offers your CV; once uploaded, it becomes searchable by hundreds of recruiters actively seeking candidates. This platform is particularly effective for finding roles within social housing maintenance contracts and multi-trade positions that require skills beyond standard painting, such as patch plastering or damp treatment.
The user interface is direct, with many adverts clearly stating pay bands and specific start dates, which is useful for planning your work schedule. Setting up job alerts is straightforward, and the platform’s emphasis on connecting candidates with agency recruiters means you might receive calls about roles you haven't even applied for. To better understand how these agencies operate, you can explore the role of agency recruitment in construction.
Key Benefit: Your uploaded CV acts as a passive job-seeking tool, allowing specialist construction recruiters to find you directly for relevant painter and decorator vacancies.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Excellent for finding multi-trade painter roles, especially within social housing and facilities maintenance sectors.
Pro: Recruiters are highly active on the platform, often resulting in quick responses and direct contact if your CV is a good match.
Con: You may find the same job advertised multiple times by different agencies competing to fill the position.
Con: The focus is heavily on agency-led recruitment, with fewer direct-to-employer permanent roles listed.
Website: https://www.cv-library.co.uk
6. LinkedIn Jobs (UK)
While often seen as a platform for corporate roles, LinkedIn is an increasingly valuable resource for skilled trades, including painters decorators London jobs. Its unique advantage lies in connecting applicants directly with companies, especially for in-house positions within hotels, large facilities management firms, and major construction contractors. You can gain insights into a company's culture, see who works there, and sometimes even connect with hiring managers directly.
The platform goes beyond simple job listings by integrating professional networking. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile acts as a dynamic CV, showcasing your project portfolio, skills, and endorsements from previous clients or employers. This can provide a significant edge, especially for roles where a strong professional reputation is key. Setting up job alerts for specific companies or titles is straightforward and effective.
Key Benefit: Networking features allow you to build connections within target companies, potentially leading to referrals which often have a higher success rate than cold applications.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Excellent for finding permanent, in-house roles at prestigious organisations like universities, luxury hotels, and corporate facilities.
Pro: Provides valuable insights into a company’s team, benefits, and recent projects before you even apply.
Con: A professional LinkedIn profile is essential to make the most of the platform, which requires some initial setup.
Con: Some job postings may redirect you to external application portals, requiring an extra step to view full details or apply.
Website: https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs
7. DWP Find a Job (UK Government)
As the official job-seeking platform from the UK government, DWP Find a Job is a highly reliable and often overlooked resource for finding painters decorators London jobs. Unlike commercial job boards, this site is free from distracting ads and sponsored posts, offering a clear and direct path to vacancies. Employers listing here are often thoroughly vetted, significantly reducing the risk of encountering scams or misleading advertisements.
The platform lists a diverse range of roles, from temporary day-rate contracts on specific construction sites to permanent mobile decorator positions within housing associations or maintenance companies. While the interface is more basic than its commercial counterparts, its strength lies in its simplicity and trustworthiness. Job descriptions are typically straightforward, clearly outlining necessary qualifications like a CSCS card, driving licence requirements, and specific experience needed.
Key Benefit: Being a government-run service, the platform provides a high level of trust and security, ensuring the legitimacy of the listed painter and decorator roles.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Trusted government source with an extremely low risk of scams or fraudulent job postings.
Pro: Clear, no-nonsense job descriptions with direct application methods often provided.
Con: The website's interface is quite basic, with fewer advanced search filters than other major job boards.
Con: The volume of listings may be lower compared to larger commercial aggregators like Indeed.
Website: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk
8. Gumtree Jobs
While often known as a general marketplace, Gumtree's jobs section is a surprisingly valuable resource for finding painters decorators London jobs, particularly those with smaller businesses or sole traders. It excels in listing immediate start, day-rate, and subcontracting opportunities that may not appear on larger corporate job boards. Many listings are posted directly by the person hiring, which can lead to a quicker, more direct application process.
The platform is highly localised, making it easy to search for roles in specific London boroughs. You will often find adverts detailing the exact site location and a clear day rate, which is ideal for tradespeople looking for flexible work to fit around other commitments. The in-platform messaging system allows for direct communication with potential employers, simplifying the process of asking questions or arranging a trial.
Key Benefit: Gumtree is fantastic for finding urgent and cash-in-hand roles with smaller local firms, often with clear day rates and immediate start dates advertised upfront.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Excellent for sourcing quick-start, flexible, and day-rate work that isn't always advertised elsewhere.
Pro: Direct contact with employers simplifies the application and negotiation process.
Con: The quality of job listings can vary significantly; users must be vigilant for potential scams or vague ads.
Con: It lacks the advanced filtering and CV management features of dedicated job boards.
Website: https://www.gumtree.com/jobs
9. MyBuilder
Unlike traditional job boards, MyBuilder operates as a lead generation platform where skilled tradespeople connect directly with homeowners. For those seeking painters decorators London jobs on a self-employed or contract basis, this model offers a direct route to finding clients. You create a professional profile showcasing your work, set your specific work areas across London, and then receive notifications for relevant jobs posted by homeowners, ranging from single-room touch-ups to entire property redecorations.
The platform's "pay-per-shortlist" system is its defining feature. You only pay a small fee when a homeowner shortlists you for a job, giving you their contact details to provide a full quote. This avoids monthly subscription fees and allows you to control your spending by only pursuing the jobs that are the best fit for your skills and schedule. The mobile app is essential for receiving instant alerts and managing client communications on the go.
Key Benefit: The direct-to-customer model allows you to set your own rates and build a personal brand through customer reviews, leading to a strong reputation and repeat business.
Pros and Cons
Pro: The pay-as-you-go model for leads is cost-effective, eliminating the risk of high monthly subscription costs.
Pro: Building a strong profile with positive feedback directly translates into winning more and better-quality work.
Con: You have to pay the shortlist fee even if you don't ultimately win the job, which can be a sunk cost.
Con: The platform is highly competitive, requiring a well-crafted profile and quick responses to secure jobs.
Website: https://www.mybuilder.com
10. Rated People
Rated People operates differently from traditional job boards, functioning as a lead-generation marketplace connecting skilled tradespeople directly with homeowners. For self-employed painters and decorators, this platform is a powerful tool for building a client base and finding a steady stream of painters decorators London jobs. Instead of applying for positions, you purchase credits through a membership plan to quote on job leads posted by customers in your area.
Success on the platform relies on creating a detailed, trustworthy profile complete with photos of your work and positive customer reviews. The faster you can respond to a lead with a competitive and professional quote, the higher your chance of winning the job. This model is ideal for those running their own business rather than seeking PAYE employment.
Key Benefit: The platform provides a direct link to a vast pool of homeowners actively seeking decorating services, allowing you to build your own pipeline of work on your own terms.
Pros and Cons
Pro: You have direct control over the jobs you quote for, setting your own prices and schedule.
Pro: A strong profile with good ratings acts as a powerful marketing tool, attracting more clients over time.
Con: Leads are not exclusive and are sold to multiple tradespeople, creating immediate competition for each job.
Con: It requires a financial investment in membership and lead credits before you can start earning.
Website: https://www.ratedpeople.com
11. Checkatrade
While not a traditional job board, Checkatrade is an essential platform for self-employed painters and decorators aiming to generate their own work rather than applying for employed roles. It functions as a trusted directory where homeowners and businesses in London actively search for vetted and reviewed tradespeople. By building a strong, verified profile, you create a direct pipeline of inbound enquiries from clients who already trust the Checkatrade brand, effectively marketing your services 24/7.
Success on the platform relies on passing their vetting process and consistently gathering positive customer reviews. This builds your reputation and improves your visibility in local searches. Instead of seeking painters decorators London jobs, you are effectively creating them by having customers come directly to you for quotes, making it ideal for those running their own business.
Key Benefit: The platform leverages strong consumer trust, meaning leads are often warmer and more likely to convert as clients are pre-sold on quality and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Generates a steady stream of high-quality, local inbound leads without the need for cold calling or constant job searching.
Pro: Builds a verifiable public reputation through customer reviews, which acts as a powerful marketing asset.
Con: Requires a paid membership, and the return on investment can depend on your location's competitiveness and the quality of your profile.
Con: It is a platform for winning work for your own business, not for finding PAYE employment.
Website: https://join.checkatrade.com
12. Bark
Unlike traditional job boards, Bark is a lead-generation platform where you proactively find clients rather than applying for advertised positions. It's an excellent tool for self-employed decorators or small firms looking to build a client base for painters decorators London jobs. You create a professional profile, define your service area within London, and then purchase credits to respond to job requests posted directly by homeowners and businesses.
The platform operates on a pay-per-lead model, meaning you only pay to connect with potential customers who are actively seeking painting and decorating services. A key advantage for newcomers is Bark’s market price guidance, which helps you benchmark your quotes against typical London rates, ensuring you remain competitive. Success on Bark relies heavily on a quick response time and a compelling profile with good reviews.
Key Benefit: The platform provides a direct line to customers with immediate needs, allowing you to bypass recruiters and bid on work to fill gaps in your schedule quickly.
Pros and Cons
Pro: You gain direct access to a large pool of consumer leads, which is ideal for building a business or filling work gaps.
Pro: The ability to see customer requests and choose which leads to purchase gives you control over your workload.
Con: Leads are often sent to multiple professionals, creating a highly competitive and price-sensitive environment.
Con: There is no guarantee of winning the job after purchasing a lead, which can be a financial risk.
Website: https://www.bark.com
Top 12 Painters & Decorators London Jobs Sites Comparison
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Career
Navigating the landscape of painters decorators London jobs can feel overwhelming, but as we've explored, a wealth of specialised tools and platforms exists to streamline your search. The key to success is not just knowing where to look, but understanding which resource aligns best with your immediate career goals and long-term aspirations. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective in London's competitive market; instead, a strategic, multi-platform strategy will yield the best results.
Your ideal approach depends entirely on your professional circumstances. If you are an experienced decorator seeking high-calibre, consistent contract work with reputable construction firms, a specialist recruitment agency is your most direct route. Conversely, if you are just starting or prefer the stability of a permanent, full-time role, the sheer volume of listings on major job boards like Indeed, Totaljobs, and Reed.co.uk makes them indispensable. These platforms offer powerful filtering tools to help you sift through countless opportunities.
For the entrepreneurial painter and decorator, the focus shifts from finding an employer to finding clients. This is where lead-generation platforms like MyBuilder, Rated People, and Checkatrade become vital. They are not job boards in the traditional sense; they are marketplaces that connect your skills directly with homeowners and businesses actively seeking your services. Building a strong profile on these sites is akin to building your own business, requiring a different mindset centred on marketing, customer service, and reputation management.
Key Takeaways for Your Job Search
To crystallise the insights from this guide, consider these final points before you begin your applications:
Diversify Your Channels: Don't rely on a single platform. A blended strategy is most effective. Use a specialist recruiter for vetted contract roles, monitor major job boards for permanent positions, and leverage lead-generation sites to build your private client base.
Tailor Your Approach: Your CV and profile must be adapted for each platform. A recruiter needs a detailed breakdown of your skills and project history, while a Checkatrade profile benefits from high-quality photos and glowing customer testimonials.
Understand the Platform's Purpose: Recognise the difference between a job board (like CV-Library), a professional network (like LinkedIn), a lead-generation service (like Bark), and a specialist agency. Each serves a distinct function in your career toolkit.
Proactivity is Paramount: Finding the best painters decorators London jobs requires consistent effort. Set up daily job alerts, regularly update your profiles, and be quick to respond to promising leads and recruiter contacts. The London market moves fast, and proactive candidates have a distinct advantage.
Ultimately, your career is in your hands. By strategically using the tools we've detailed, you can move beyond simply finding a job to actively building a successful, rewarding, and sustainable career as a painter and decorator in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Ready to skip the endless searching and connect with London's top construction firms? The experts at Phoenix Gray Rec Ltd specialise in placing skilled tradespeople like you into high-quality, vetted roles. Contact our team today to get matched with opportunities that align with your skills and career ambitions.
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