Coming To The UK?
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions by people coming to the UK:
Visas
Do I need a visa or work permit to work in the UK?
Unless you have a UK or EU passport, you will need a work permit or visa to work in the UK.
If you do not have one, you should check with your local British High Commission or Embassy.
For more information, visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
Finding a Job
How easy will it be for me to find a job in the UK?
This will largely depend on the time of year, market conditions, your experience, how much you expect to earn etc. Generally we would recommend that you allow up to 4 weeks to secure a position and advise that you factor that into your savings. You can help speed up the process though by getting in touch with us before you arrive in the UK.
Is it possible to secure work in the UK before I arrive?
We are unlikely to be able to secure work for you before your arrival as one of our commitments to our clients is that we meet every candidate before submitting their details for a vacancy. However, you can certainly get the ball rolling prior to your arrival by emailing us with:
1. Your CV
2. Work references
3. Proof of qualifications
What is the difference between temp and contract work?
Please refer to our 'Temp Zone' for everything you need to know about temping.
Financial
Will I need a UK bank account?
In order for us to pay you, you will need a UK bank account. Your own bank may be able to set one up for you but if not, our consultants will be more than happy to help you open an account when you arrive. You will need to provide proof of identity (e.g. passport) and usually a recent bank statement or bill with an address where you have lived in the past 3 months.
Do I need a National Insurance number?
To work through the PAYE scheme, you need a NI number. You can apply for one by making an appointment with your local DSS (Department of Social Security). You will need to take with you your passport, proof of UK address and also proof of employment (e.g. contract or payslip) or proof of seeking employment (e.g. a letter from sf group confirming that you are currently looking for work).
What about paying tax?
To work through the PAYE scheme, you will need to provide us with the relevant tax form. If you have worked in the UK before then you will need to provide us with your P45 from your last employer. If you are working in the UK for the first time, you will need to complete a P46 form. You can find out more at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.
Accommodation
There are a number of useful publications for finding accommodation, namely the Evening Standard,
Time Out and Southern Cross. We would also recommend you log on to www.thegumtree.com,
www.loot.com and www.tntmag.co.uk.
(These are also great websites for finding out about pubs,
restaurants etc in the area). It is advisable to sort some accommodation before you arrive,
even if it is only temporary and then once you're in the UK you can always find somewhere more suitable to live longer term.
There are certain areas of London where you are more likely to meet other people from your home country, such as Ealing, Shepherds Bush, Fulham and Acton. Wherever you decide to live though, find out where the nearest tube station is and which 'travel zone' you're in as these will have an impact on your cost of living.
You will usually need to give one month's rent as a deposit and pay one month's rent in advance. Also, don't forget to factor in costs such as council tax, rates and TV licence.
Check List
- Send us your CV now and we will contact you before you leave so that we can set up an interview and get the ball rolling.
- Arrange some accommodation before you leave so that you at least have somewhere to go on the day that you arrive in the UK.
- Set up a UK bank account.
- Make sure you have:
- Valid passport
- Visa
- Bank statement
- Utility bills (less than 3 months old)
- References from your bank
- Written references from previous employers
- Enough money to live comfortably for up to 4 weeks (including 2 month's rent)
- Smart suit for interviews
- Our telephone number: 0845 519 3655