Working in the UK

Thinking of working in the UK?

The UK job market offers a wide variety of well paid job opportunities for the overseas traveller. Both the financial and legal sector has seen a massive boost in the past twelve months with increased demand for specialists on a temporary, locum, permanent and contract basis.

Traditionally, those coming over to the UK have headed straight to the capitals, to experience living in London. However, an increasing number of organisations are now basing their businesses outside of the centre, in order to benefit from more affordable operational costs. This provides visitors with the opportunity to experience life outside of the hustle and bustle - and expense - of a capital city.

Across both countries there are diverse mix of vibrant cities, which offer a huge range of culture, entertainment and attractions that will make your time one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life.

The table below give you some idea of how the costs in different regions vary and how much further your income will go outside of London and Dublin:

Before heading off to the UK, there are a number of things that you can do to help you settle in quickly and find yourself employment.

Before you arrive

Visas

The first thing that you need to do is to apply for a visa to work in the UK, as this will influence your work and travel options.

Anyone from outside the EC wishing to work in the UK will need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. From June 2005 the rules of the visa changed to require that work should not be the primary reason for travel, and so it only allows work in the UK for a maximum of twelve months during the holder's two-year visit. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that work is incidental to a holiday:

You must also be:

• A Commonwealth citizen aged 17-30
• Single - if you are married, your spouse must also meet the visa requirements for a working holiday
• Able to pay for your return or onward journey
• Intending to leave the UK at the end of your working holiday
• Able to show you have not had a working visa before
• Able to support yourself without using public funds

If you have UK parents or grandparents, this entitles you to a longer, less restricted stay of 4 years, and it can enable you to apply for residency. In this instance, you will also become eligible for permanent work.

Medical

No vaccinations are required for entry into the UK. Once you have arrived you will need to register with a General Practitioner (GP) before you can see a doctor.

Getting started in the UK

National Insurance

When you come to work in the UK you have to register for a National Insurance number and immediately start paying National Insurance contributions in the UK on the same basis as other people who live and work here.

When you start working, your employer will make National Insurance contributions on your behalf, equating to 12.8% of your total earnings. This goes towards a state pension, and also contributes to government-run organisations, such as the NHS and social security benefits.

To apply, you will need to visit your local Department of Social Security (DSS), complete with your passport and proof of employment.

Tax

If you have just arrived in the UK and are intending to work Pay As You Earn (PAYE), you will need to complete a P46 Inland Revenue Declaration of Employment form and return it with your first timesheet to our Payroll Department.

If you have worked in the UK before, you will need to provide Payroll with your P45 issued from your previous employer. This form provides Payroll with information on your previous earnings and tax code. You must keep copies of your P45s (leaving certificates) and P60s (end of year tax certificates).

If you find that you are paying too much tax, Inland Revenue will reimburse you. You will be paying too much tax if:

• You have paid emergency tax
• You have earned less than £4,385 in the tax year. (This figure is normally affected by the Chancellor's Budget every year)

The tax year runs from April 6th until April 5th of each year. At the end of the tax year, you will be issued with a P60, which informs you of your gross earnings for the year, and the total deductions that have been made.

For further information on the tax process in the UK please view www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.

Bank Accounts

To open a bank account, proof of ID and residency are required, along with a personal reference and a household bill.