WORKING AND
LIVING IN THE UK
the ESSENTIAL
GUIDE
hays.co.uk
CONTENTS
preparing for
your journey
Who we are
02
Visa tips
03
Work permit
04
Ariving in the uk
The essentials
Accommodation
08
11
Transport
12
Healthcare
15
Utilities
16
Communications
16
Embassies and Consulates
20
Working abroad is a great way to
simultaneously further your career
with international experience, broaden
your horizons by living and learning
in a new environment and not least,
to have the time of your life!
This guide contains all those
indispensable numbers, websites and
addresses you will need to prepare for
the big move and to get you on your
feet in your early days here in the UK.
Please note this guide is intended for reference only.
The companies we’ve listed, unless we’ve stated otherwise,
are not specifically endorsed by Hays.
Working in the UK | 1
BEFORE YOU GO
PREPARING FOR
YOUR JOURNEY
Who we are
At Hays, we are global experts in recruiting qualified, professional and
skilled people across a wide range of industries and sectors. Fuelled by
our energy and passion to look beyond skills and experience in finding
the right cultural fit, we take the time to understand you and your career
requirements, tailoring our services to meet your needs. This means we
have the depth of expertise and industry insight to provide you with
accurate, unbiased information and advice. It also allows us to find that
special match that makes individuals and companies flourish.
We know that relocating to the other side of the world can be a
daunting thought, so we aim to make the move stress-free by assisting
you every step of the way. We can help you get organised and compliant
– so you can start working as soon as possible once you arrive in the UK.
On application, your local consultant will make initial contact with you
and provide you with all the information you need to get started. They
will be responsible for helping you fill out the relevant papers and can
also provide advice about visas and how to become registered through
a relevant body.
When you arrive your UK consultant will be your primary point of contact,
responsible for placing you in your perfect role. They will catch up with
you regarding your plans, experience and desires about prospective
positions and advise you on how to set up a UK bank account and all
other documents required to be legally employed in the UK.
2 | Working in the UK
Visa tips
If you are not a British Citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic
Area (EEA) countries, you may need a visa before you travel to the UK.
As mentioned, we will be able to give you advice on visas, however it is
up to you to apply for and organise them.
Please note: Hays staff are not visa agents and can only offer guidance.
For current information, please see www.ukvisas.gov.uk and
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk
Here is an overview of the typical visas used by our candidates:
Tier 1: Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (general)
This is issued to applicants on a points basis. When you apply, you
will be awarded points according to your age, qualifications, previous
earnings, UK experience, English language skills and current funds.
We recommend visiting the following website before applying to assess
your eligibility: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator
Tier 2: Sponsorship
If you can secure permanent employment through a UK employer,
they may choose to sponsor you to live and work in the UK without a
working visa. These agreements occur between you and your employer.
We will contact you if we have any roles where the employer is happy
to sponsor.
Tier 5: Youth Mobility Visa
If you are an Australian citizen and between the ages of 18-30 years old,
you can apply to work in the UK for two years.
Other than the above, there are two other working visas that can be
gained through family connections: Ancestry and Spousal. These visas
require evidence of the relevant family members’ UK citizenship/UK
birth/appropriate visas.
Working in the UK | 3
Ancestry Visa
If at least one grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands
or the Isle of Man, you may be eligible for a five year working visa.
You will need birth certificates to provide your relationship with your
grandparent as well as birth certificates of your grandparents to show
they were born in the UK. You are still eligible if you are adopted,
however you will require the relevant documents to prove this.
Spousal Visa
Spouses or dependants of people with the right to live in the UK as well
as those with a visa can apply for a two year working visa. You will need
proof of your relationship ie. Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates as
well as the relevant entitlement documents – British passport, Certificate
of Entitlement, UK Residency or UK Ancestry Visa or Work Permit.
Please note, this list is not exhaustive and there are many other routes
available that might be preferable to your unique circumstances.
Work permit
Work permits are issued by Work Permits (UK), part of the Home
Office’s The UK Border Agency. A work permit relates to a specific
person and a specific job. The work permit scheme lets UK employers
recruit or transfer people from outside the European Economic Area
(EEA), while still protecting the interests of resident workers in the
UK. Work permits also allow overseas nationals to come to the UK for
training or work experience.
You cannot apply directly for a work permit. The employer in the
UK who wants to employ you must do this by sending the filled-in
application form at least eight weeks before the date they need you
to start work.
4 | Working in the UK
EEA nationals:
European Community law gives EEA nationals a right to live and work
in the UK. This is called a right of residence. You have an initial right of
residence in the UK for three months if you are an EEA national. If you
are an EEA national and you want to live in the UK for more than three
months, you must be a ‘qualified person’. A qualified person means an
EEA national who is in the UK as: a jobseeker, a worker, self-employed
person, a self-sufficient person (someone who can support themselves
financially) or a student.
You do not need a work permit to work in the UK but you may need to
register as a worker under the Worker Registration Scheme. There are
also separate requirements for Bulgarian and Romanian workers.
Visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens for more information.
Non-EEA nationals:
If you are a non-EEA or an overseas national who is not settled in the
UK and you intend to work in the UK, in the majority of cases you must
have a work permit. The Home Office’s ‘Border and Immigration Agency’
website provides information about the various routes open to foreign
nationals who want to come and work in the United Kingdom. Visit:
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk for more details.
Working in the UK | 5
7
ARRIVING
IN THE UK
RELOCATION
ADVICE
6 | Working in the UK
In this section, we’ve put together
some useful information on making
the transition to living and working
in the UK as smooth as possible.
If you need further advice or help
with anything, please feel free to
contact your UK consultant who
will be more than happy to offer
friendly guidance and some insider
tips on living in the UK.
Working in the UK | 7
The essentials
National Insurance
National Insurance (NI) is a form of taxation, administered by HM
Revenue and Customs (HMRC), where people in work make payments
towards benefits. In other words, you pay NI contributions to build
up your entitlement to certain state benefits, including your pension.
NI contributions also go towards the costs of the National Health Service.
If you are planning to work in the UK, it’s important that you apply for
your NI as soon as possible (it can take up to three months). Your NI
number will enable you to obtain Government benefits such as free
medical services and can make life a whole lot easier when applying
for your tax returns.
Your National Insurance number is like your own personal account
number, it is unique to you and you keep the same one all your life. The
number ensures the NI contributions (NIC) and tax you pay are properly
recorded on your account. It also acts as a reference number when
communicating with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You will need to obtain an NI number from the Department for Work
& Pensions. This can be done via your local Jobcentre Plus office (your
local jobcentre office will be listed in the phone book or log onto
www.direct.gov.uk for more information).
8 | Working in the UK
Applying for a National Insurance number
If you have the right to work in the UK and you are looking for, starting
work or are setting up as self-employed, phone Jobcentre Plus on
0845 600 0643. Lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Jobcentre Plus will arrange an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview for
you or send you a postal application. They will confirm the date, time
and location of your interview. They will also tell you what information
and documentation is required to support your application.
Go early as NI numbers can take weeks, sometimes months, to process.
If you are working, take a letter to that effect from your employer or
employment agency. Where you secure a position before obtaining your
NI number, you will be given an emergency number based on
your birthday.
National Insurance Registrations Helpline
0845 915 7006 – 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday
Tax
It is more than likely that you will pay tax and your NI contributions
through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. You won’t have to do
anything, as your local tax office will provide your employer with a tax
code to calculate how much tax and NIC you should be paying. It is
deducted from your salary, so your payslip reflects your net earnings.
For further information, log onto www.hmrc.gov.uk
Working in the UK | 9
Bank accounts
Opening a bank account is one of the biggest frustrations for newly
arrived travellers, since it’s difficult to receive timely payment or to
secure a lease without one.
You may have heard that it is not as easy as you think to open a bank
account in the UK. While this may be true to some degree, with a bit of
common sense and following these few simple steps, you will be seeing
your first pay cheque arrive in your account in no time.
Banks are concerned about security: yours and theirs. This means they
will want to see various documents before opening your account.
They will want to see your passport so don’t forget to take it along.
If you have a British or EU passport or visa, you will probably find it
easier to open an account than those on working holiday visas. In addition
to your passport, take along as many of the following as you can:
•A letter of introduction/reference from your bank manager at home
•Proof of address either in the form of a rental agreement, a bill to you
at your address or a letter from someone whose name is on the lease
•A letter from your employer (if you have already found work) stating
your role, duration of employment and your address
•A letter from an employment agency (if you have registered with one)
stating your registration and explaining that you are actively
seeking work
There are a number of high street retail banks to choose from when you
arrive but having recognised how tricky the process can often be, HSBC
have set up their Passport Account which has been specifically designed
to assist customers relocating to new countries. This service allows you
to open your bank account before you leave home, which means that
your account will be up and running by the time you arrive in the UK.
10 | Working in the UK
Application forms and further information are available in branches and
website www.hsbc.co.uk – type HSBC Passport Bank Account in the
search for full details.
Accommodation
If you are lucky enough to have friends in the UK to stay with when
you arrive, you can avoid a few initial stresses. However, finding
accommodation after you arrive is not such a daunting task. In fact,
many firms will help you with finding accommodation and point you
in the direction of estate agents, as well as provide other assistance.
A basic rule is: the more central you are, the higher your rent will be,
but your transport costs will be reduced. The further out you live, the
cheaper your rent, but the more you’ll shell out for transport. If you’re
unsure where you will be working, keep your options open committing
to no more that a six-month lease. Check out www.upmystreet.com for
an overview of particular areas.
Where to start your search
Estate agents/accommodation agencies
Registering with local estate agents in your chosen area(s) is the best
way to get your search under way. Some estate agencies are part of
national or London-wide chains with offices in multiple locations. As a
general rule, they focus on the particular area in which they are based,
so you may have to register with quite a few to ensure that you cover
the market.
From a practical point of view, they will want to see a letter from your
bank back home or from your future employer to demonstrate your
creditworthiness and that you are a quality tenant. Failing that, evidence
in the form of bank statements that will prove your ability to pay the
rent will be needed.
Working in the UK | 11
A useful website is the professional body for lettings agents – ARLA.
Here you’ll find useful information for tenants
www.arla.co.uk/info/tenants.htm as well as a search facility to
find the name of local agents www.arla.co.uk/search/search.asp
Newspapers
The newspapers that cover the London property market best are:
Loot, The Evening Standard (especially on a Wednesday in the Homes
& Property supplement) and of course, the local newspapers in the
area. TNT, available for free outside most tube stations, is another good
bet, especially for flat shares. These will list properties offered both by
agencies and private owners.
Websites
In addition to the agents’ own websites, there are numerous websites
to check out to search for properties. Some of the most useful are:
www.propertyfinder.com
www.findaproperty.co.uk
www.loot.com
www.accommodationlondon.net
www.gumtree.com
Transport
The London Tube
This is the underground rail network and will most likely be your main
mode of transport in London.
When you first arrive in London you can pick up a free map from any
tube station. It is also worthwhile to purchase an A-Z guide which
contains street maps and transport routes in London. They can be
purchased from local convenience stores.
12 | Working in the UK
Tubes run from 5:50am to midnight, Monday to Saturday and 7:00am
to 11:30pm on Sundays. The underground has thirteen lines and the fare
system is based on zones.
Oyster cards can be purchased on a weekly, monthly, annual or pay-asyou-go basis. These are a cheaper alternative to getting around, and
are more flexible and secure than normal tickets. See the Transport for
London (TFL) website for further details.
Tel: 020 7222 1234 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk
Go by bus
Buses are an alternative for getting around and seeing the sights,
however during the week they can be slower due to inner city
congestion. In central London, most bus tickets must be purchased
before getting on the bus. Again, Oyster cards are a cheaper and more
efficient way to travel.
In most major cities night buses run at various intervals throughout the
night on selected routes. They are generally a reliable and safe option if
you miss your last tube home.
Consult the station staff regarding all your queries. There is an extensive
selection of free information booklets, brochures, tube and other
transport maps provided at all stations.
National Rail networks
There is a network of railways covering the UK and are sometimes
referred to as the ‘over land’. If you book in advance, train fares can be
relatively cheap. Most fares decrease in price after 9:30am.
National Rail Enquiries (NRE) is the definitive source of information
for all passenger rail services on the National Rail network in England,
Wales and Scotland. Visit their website if you are planning on any travel
by train in the UK. www.nationalrail.co.uk
Working in the UK | 13
Coach
Travelling by coach is generally a cheaper way of getting around the UK.
National Express provides travel to hundreds of places, while Megabus
offers a cheaper alternative to selected locations.
Transport Direct is a website that offers information for door-to-door
travel for both public transport and car journeys around Britain. It will
provide you with comprehensive, easy-to-use travel information to help
you plan your journeys effectively and efficiently.
www.transportdirect.info
Hailing a cab
Black cabs are expensive, however they can be cost effective when
travelling in a group and are a safer option at night.
Minicabs are independent operators and are not metered, so you must
negotiate a fare in advance. You must book your minicab from an office
or over the phone.
For your own safety, it is not advisable to take unlicensed minicabs
especially from drivers who approach you in the street or outside pubs
and bars, particularly if you are travelling alone. This is an illegal cab.
In London, a new scheme has been launched to ensure people get home
safely at night. You can text CAB to 60835 to get the number of one taxi
and two local, licensed minicab companies.
Cycle mania
Bicycles are encouraged in the city, as the roads are often extremely
congested. There is a growing network of bicycle lanes on England’s
roads to increase safety for cyclists.
14 | Working in the UK
Healthcare
For most healthcare issues, you can find your answer on the NHS
website www.nhs.uk or in more urgent circumstances, you can call
the NHS Direct helpline 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 with any health
queries you may have.
Doctors
Visiting a doctor is free and the only charge is for medicines prescribed.
You will need to register with your local NHS doctor, who can be found
in your telephone directory or through the NHS website www.nhs.uk
Dentists
There is no such thing as free dental care in the UK, however, even if you
do find an NHS dentist you will have to pay towards any treatment that
you receive, even regular check ups.
Opticians
Most high streets will have at least one opticians’ practice. Some are
independent, others part of larger chains.
Emergency services
Dial 999 for Police, Fire or Ambulance services in case of emergency.
Working in the UK | 15
Utilities
Moving in to a new place means you will need to get connected
to all the usual necessities such as water, gas and electricity. To get
impartial advice on the best deals for all of your utilities, log onto
www.uswitch.com. This site provides information on all suppliers and
service providers in the UK – you can even use their online calculator
to work out who will be the cheapest option.
Gas and Electricity
Gas and electricity can be supplied separately but can now also be
obtained from the same provider (and often it is cheaper to get both from
a single utility company). The main providers for gas and electricity in the
UK can be viewed here www.electricity-guide.org.uk/companies.html
Water
There are local water companies for each region in the UK. Most likely,
your provider will be:
Thames Water
Tel: 0845 920 0800 or visit www.thames-water.com
To find out more information about your water company or any of the
other companies in the UK, visit www.water-guide.org.uk
Communications
Post Office
You can do more than just post letters and parcels at the post office.
Their website lists the full range of services available including details on
how to obtain your TV licence – an official license required by law in the
UK for using and watching television.
Tel: 0845 722 3344 or visit www.postoffice.co.uk
16 | Working in the UK
Satellite and Cable TV (including broadband)
Digital Satellite TV
Freeview
www.freeview.co.uk
Top Up TV
www.topuptv.com
Sky Digital (+ broadband)
www.sky.com
Digital Cable TV (and broadband)
Virgin Media
www.virginmedia.com
BT Vision
www.bt.co.uk
Internet service providers
It is hard to imagine being without ‘connection’ for very long these days.
Luckily, there are dozens of ISPs in the UK. All of them offer different
packages to cater for capacity, download limits, connection speed… the
combinations are endless.
Some of the bigger and better known names include the following
companies, although if you are not buying a TV and internet package
from one of the companies above or through BT Broadband, it is
certainly worthwhile logging onto www.uswitch.com for an impartial
comparison of what they all offer:
www.bethere.co.uk
www.plus.net
www.talktalk.co.uk
www.bulldogbroadband.com
Working in the UK | 17
Mobile network providers
To get you out and about and ‘mobile’, here are some of the big UK
mobile providers.
Orange
O2
Vodafone
Three Mobile
T-Mobile
Fixed Line Telephone
British Telecom – telephone and broadband.
www.bt.com
Directory Enquiries
BT UK Directory Enquiries
118500
BT International Enquiries
118505
Operator Services
UK 100
International 150
18 | Working in the UK
Keeping in touch
Phone cards or prepaid plans on your mobile phone tend to be the
cheapest way to stay in touch with family and friends. Look out for
advertisements for the different plans in travellers’ magazines and on the
Tube. There are internet cafes throughout London and most are open late,
so you should have no problem catching up with people via email.
EasyEverything is a popular, larger chain and its central London
branches are open 24 hours. Quiet times are usually mornings and late
in the evening. For branches and more information, visit
www.EasyInternetCafe.com
Free magazines
There are several free magazines aimed at travellers which are available
on a weekly basis from many tube or bus stations. Typically, they offer
news and sport from home, travel stories and packages, flats to share,
jobs and guides to what’s on in the area. The most well known of these
is TNT magazine.
Working in the UK | 19
Embassies & Consulates
Australia
Australian High Commission
Strand, London, WC2B 4LA
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7379 4334
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7240 5333
www.australia.org.uk
New Zealand
New Zealand High Commission
New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TQ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7930 8422
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7839 4580
www.nzembassy.com
Canada
Canadian High Commission
Macdonald House, 1 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 4AB
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7258 6600
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7258 6333
www.canada.org.uk
South Africa
South African High Commission
South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7451 7299 (except Consular Section)
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7451 7283 (except Consular Section)
www.southafricahouse.com
20 | Working in the UK
Want
to know
more?
If you have a question about what we’ve included
in this guide, or to speak with one of our expert
consultants, contact us at [email protected].
Alternatively, why not visit our website hays.co.uk.
hays.co.uk
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