Employment information

Important information you need to know before arriving

EMPLOYMENT
Please consider your level of English when applying for work. Most responsible employers will expect you to have a good level of spoken English to meet National Health and Safety requirements

WORKING IN THE UK
There are many opportunities for employment in all UK job sectors, categories and skill levels, but there are restrictions on the employment of non-EU nationals who will need to apply for a work permit or enter the UK using one of the Home Office's employment schemes.

Jobs can be found via the many online jobsites, and through private employment agencies and state-run jobcentres for those who are already eligible to work in the UK. National and local newspapers are also good sources of job advertisements.

It is illegal for Employment Agencies to charge prospective employees a search fee when looking for work in the UK

  • Employment Agencies charge a fee to the EMPLOYER

The UK working week is set at a maximum of 40 hours. Workers should be entitled to 21 days paid holiday per annum and the minimum wage is currently set at £5.35 per hour before tax. This is due to increase to £5.52 gross on 1st OCTOBER 2007. (Please see link below) Sick pay varies from job to job so please check your contract.

WORKERS REGISTRATION SCHEME
A8 and A2 Nationals are required by law to register with the WORKERS REGISTRATION SCHEME within a month on taking up employment. There is a fee of £90 payable to the Home Office and it is the responsibility of the EMPLOYEE to register themselves. Once registered a person is able to accumulate tax credits. At the end of the first year of employment they become eligible to apply for Habitual Residency. At this point there is the possibility of applying for Job Seekers Allowance should you be made redundant.
http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

**PLEASE CHECK RELEVANT WEBSITES AS INFORMATION CHANGES REGULARLY**

National Insurance / CIS Scheme / Working Families Tax Credits Please see the link below for information in a selection of Eastern European Languages http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/helpsheet_download_page.htm

***Click here for CIS help sheet ***

SOCIAL SECURITY
The UK has a comprehensive social security system, funded from general taxation and from National Insurance (NI) payments. When you start work in the UK, you must obtain an NI number, which will be used as a reference number for the social security system. The number can be obtained from the Department for Work and Pensions (England, Scotland and Wales), or the Department for Social Development (Northern Ireland) see above

The social security system provides state benefits for those unable to work due to illness or industrial injury, as well as unemployment, maternity, childcare, disability and carer benefits. It also administers retirement pensions. Eligibility for the state retirement pension is currently from age 65 for men and 60 for women, but this is being equalized to 65 for both men and women from 2010 onwards. Most families with dependent children are eligible for Child Tax Credits, while employees who are on low-incomes may qualify for Working Tax Credits. All benefits are means-tested.