Living and working in the UK

1. Living and working in the UK Alison Carmichael UK EURES adviser www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

2. Working in the UK Employment law Benefit Information Living in the UK Living and working in the UK

3. United Kingdom • England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland • Population - 60 million • Unemployment varies across the UK –average is 5% • Language - English • Welsh is spoken in some parts of Wales

4. Job opportunities Opportunities vary across the country, but include • engineering • health and care workers • construction • drivers – buses, heavy goods vehicles • factory work • chefs and hotel workers • Agriculture

5. EURES website • Find a job – search the vacancies in all EURES countries • CV-online - register your CV for employers to see • EURES advisers – details of 700 EURES advisers • www.eures.europa.eu

6. EURES website Living and Workinginformation • accommodation and taxes • cost of living • health, education and social information • comparing qualifications • labour market information - by country and region Learning • education and training opportunities in Europe • universities and colleges

7. Jobcentre Plus People are strongly advised not to come to the UK if you do not have a job to start You must be able to speak English to work in the UK • Search for jobs online • Call the telephone jobs service, Jobseeker Direct +44 (0) 845 6060 234 • Jobcentre Plus offices are self-service with Jobpoint computers www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

8. Looking for workwww.eures.europa.eu www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk • UK newspapers have internet jobs sites www.newspapersonline.com • Visit company websites for job vacancies, company application forms and company information • Private agencies – many are registered with the Recruitment and Employers Confederation www.rec.uk.com • It is illegal for UK agencies to charge you a fee to find a job • www.yell.com for speculative applications

9. Graduates • Good written and spoken English is essential • It is hard to find media jobs • Competition is very high • Graduate vacancies are declining • Many employers do not understand foreign qualifications • The UK does not have many work placement opportunities www.prospects.ac.uk

10. Qualifications and degrees • Qualifications can differ in each European country • Some qualifications are recognised across the Europe • Some professional people must apply for UK recognition • The National Academic Recognition Information Centre, NARIC can compare your qualifications. You will pay for this service www.naric.org.uk

11. Vocational Qualifications • www.nrp.org.uk • In some cases, it may be possible to use qualifications from abroad, Or,in cases where workers are skilled but do not have formal qualifications, assessment methods such as On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) can be used to qualify to UK standards • www.constructionmigrantworkers.co.uk

12. UK Employment Rights • You are entitled to the same employment rights as the domestic workforce. This includes: • The National Minimum Wage • Working Time Rights • Health and Safety Protection • The Right to Join a Union • Protection from Unfair Discrimination • Further information in other languages: • www.tuc.org/tuc/rights

13. Employment conditions and law • Minimum wage is £5.35 per hour @ 22+ about £214 per week or €316 • Working week is 37-40 hours • Deductions can be made for accommodation (£29.05 per week max) and transport • Minimum holiday is four weeks - 20 days • Wages are usually paid direct into a bank account • 20 minutes break allowed if you work 6+ hours each day www.dti.gov.uk www.acas.org.uk National Minimum Wage helpline: 0845 600 0678

14. Employment Law • Contracts can be written or verbal • It is a legal requirement for you be provided with either a contract of employment or a job description in English and the migrant workers native language within 8 weeks of them starting work with you. Further guidance from www.dti.gov.uk/employment or www.businesslink.gov.uk • Both the employer and employee are normally entitled to a minimum period of notice of termination of employment

15. Induction • All workers should undergo a site induction before commencing work. This should cover… • Practices in the workplace • The role of the worker • Dealing with problems in the workplace • Adapting to an unfamiliar culture or environment • How to request assistance • Information on medical facilities, trade unions etc

16. Further Information • For employment legislation leaflets and to resolve disputes contact: www.acas.org.uk • For further information also contact: www.dti.gov.uk and www.worksmart.org.uk • For free, confidential, impartial advice visit: www.cas.org.uk • www.adviceguide.org.uk/cab_dealing_with_grievances_polish.pdf

17. Income Tax • Tax is deducted from source • Most people pay the Basic rate 22% • Income up to £2,150 is taxed at 10% • Income over £33,300 is taxed at 40% • P86 when you enter the UK • P85 when you leave the UK • For forms and information visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

18. Council Tax • Council Tax is paid to the council where you live, to pay for local servicesThe amount you pay depends on your accommodation and family circumstances. It is £15 (€22) or more each week • Council Tax may be included in your rent. Check with your landlord

19. National Insurance • National Insurance is deducted from wages (8-11%) • The amount you pay depends on how much you earn • Self-employed people must pay their own National Insurance

20. National Insurance Number (NINO) • Everyone working in the UK has a National Insurance number • You must apply for a number when you start work • If you have worked in the UK before, you do not need a new number • Phone 0845 600 0643 to apply for a number www.dwp.gov.uk

21. Bank Accounts • To open an account on-line contact: www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/current-accounts/passport • You require proof of identity when opening a bank account – passport, letter from your employer and proof of address • If possible take information about your home bank account (www.bba.org) • Salaries are usually paid into a bank or building society account.

22. E-forms (most commonly used) • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – replaced E111, used to receive state-provided healthcare in EEA • E301 – record of working contributions. Request this form from the UK authorities before returning to your own country • E303 – to claim unemployment benefits in another EEA country for up to 3 months • Available from the Centre for Non-residents tel: 0845 070040 (from the UK) +44 191 225 4811 (from abroad)

23. Health For emergency medical treatment you should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) National Health Service – NHS • When you are settled, register with a local doctor • Consulting your local doctor is free but prescribed medicines cost £6.65 (€ 9.82) per medicine • You may have to pay for spectacles and dental treatment www.dh.gov.uk NHS Direct 0845 46 47

24. Your earnings:example If you earn £220 (€308) per week, you will pay: • less Income Tax £22 (€32)less National Insurance £13 (€18) • Rent (room) £50 (€70) • Council Tax £15 (€21) or more • The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on your accommodation (it could be included in the rent) • £20-£30 (€28-42) per week for food / living expenses

25. Accommodation • Flats (Apartments) – furnished / unfurnished £400-600 per month (€600 – 900) • Houses - furnished / unfurnished£500-£800 per month (€750 – 1,200) • Rooms £200-£350 per month (€300 – 525) • You pay one month’s rent before you move in • Large cities are more expensive and accommodation can be difficult to find

26. Income-related benefits • Child Benefit www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit • Working Tax Credit – further information at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits • Housing Benefit –leaflet HBA5DWP “Help with Your Rent” • Council Tax Benefit – leaflet CTA5DWP further information at www.dwp.gov.uk

27. Good luck! Any questions? Alison.carmichael@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk