Work in the UK

Key Characteristics

The UK’s diverse landscapes range from the snowy peaks of Scotland and beautiful Cornish coastline to the vast countryside and crystal-clear waters of the Lake District. The UK’s natural beauty is often over-looked and under-valued in light of its sprawling cities and tourist traps, but it has much to offer in terms of both dramatic scenery and a much slower pace of life.

The UK boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites including many castles, cathedrals and churches which both symbolize the UK’s past and add to its charm. Its old, industrious towns are also part of the rich tapestry of UK history and offer a welcome contrast to the bustle of major cities.

Facts about the United Kingdom

• Land area: 243,610 km2
• Population: 62 million
• Official language: English
• Currency: Pound sterling (£/GBP)
• Time: GMT (UTC+0)

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign state located off the north-western coast of continental Europe.

Housing

When coming to the UK you may wish to buy a home straight away or rent one for the duration of your stay or certainly for the immediate period.

Finding appropriate housing, whether renting or buying, in the UK will be a relatively easy process. If you’re staying only short term (say, less than three years), you may be better off renting.

The majority of migrants choose to rent a house (long or short term) when they first arrive in the UK. Rent is usually paid monthly in advance. It is also your responsibility to organise and pay for the electricity, telephone and any gas or water charges.

If you intend to buy a property, the majority of the UK real estate is sold through agents who charge a fee based on the price of the property. You can also look in major newspapers as most of them have a property section.

Electricity

There are over 18 Energy companies supplying the UK. There are some companies that offer both electricity and gas. There is lots of information about energy prices on the Consumer Focus website at: www.consumerfocus.org.uk.

Moving home or changing electricity supplier

You must tell your electricity supplier the date you wish to take over the supply of electricity when you have moved to a new home. Your current electricity supplier and your new electricity supplier will require a final meter reading on the day you change electricity supplier which you must send to them.
You should cancel any standing orders or direct debits once you have paid the final bill to your current electricity supplier.
You must give your new electricity supplier the supply number for the meter at your home. The supply number is an identification number for the meter and is shown on the bill relating to the meter. If you are moving home, you will have to ask the present occupiers for the supply number.
If the supply of electricity has to be reconnected, the electricity supplier may make a charge for reconnection.

Gas

There are a number of companies who can supply you with gas. Listings of the companies who supply gas in each area of the UK can be found on the consumer watchdog website at www.consumerfocus.org.uk

Moving home or changing gas supplier

When you move to a new home, tell the gas supplier the date you want to take over the supply. If it has to be reconnected, the supplier may make a charge. If the supply has not been disconnected, read the meter and inform the supplier of the reading.
If you want to change your gas supplier, notify both the current and the new gas suppliers. Both will want a final meter reading taken on the day you change suppliers. Some suppliers will send a meter reader; others will ask you to read the meter and send the reading to them.
The Consumer Focus website at www.consumerfocus.org.uk can provide information on what to check if you want to change suppliers and a list of local gas suppliers.

Education

Education in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter, with each country having a separate education system.

Education in England is compulsory for all children aged between 5 and 16 (inclusive). State-provided schools are free of charge to students, and there is also a tradition of independent schooling, but parents may choose to educate their children by any suitable means. England has some of the top universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London are ranked in the global top 10 in the 2008 THE–QS World University Rankings.

Education in Northern Ireland is more similar to that used in England and Wales than it is to Scotland. Northern Ireland's results at GCSE and A-Level are consistently top in the UK.

The Scottish education system is distinctly different from other parts of the United Kingdom. The Scottish system has emphasised breadth across a range of subjects, while the English, Welsh and Northern Irish systems have emphasised greater depth of education over a smaller range of subjects at secondary school level. Scottish universities generally have courses a year longer (typically 4 years) than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, though it is often possible for students to take more advanced specialised exams and join the courses at the second year.

Education in Wales is either wholly or largely through the medium of Welsh. In 2008/09, 22% of classes in maintained primary schools used Welsh as the sole or main medium of instruction. Welsh medium education is available to all age groups through nurseries, schools, colleges and universities and in adult education and lessons in the language itself are compulsory for all pupils until the age of 16.

Taxation & Finance

Taxation in the United Kingdom may involve payments to at least two different levels of government: local government and central government (HM Revenue & Customs). Local government is financed by grants from central government funds, business rates, council tax and increasingly from fees and charges such as those from on-street parking. Central government revenues are mainly income tax, national insurance contributions, value added tax, corporation tax and fuel duty.

Income Tax is collected in different ways depending on the type of income and whether you're employed, self-employed or not working. If you are an employee or you receive a company or private pension, your employer or pension provider will deduct tax through PAYE. If you are self-employed, you will be responsible for filling in a Self Assessment tax return and paying your own tax.
The higher rate income tax band in the UK is 40%

You will need to apply for a National Insurance number once you arrive in the UK. In addition to income tax, you will pay National Insurance contributions if you're an employee or self-employed .You will need to contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus office or in Northern Ireland contact the nearest Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office.

Opening a Bank Account

In order to open a bank account you’ll need to complete an application form and provide certain personal information. Most banks provide online Internet Banking and a facility to transfer funds between overseas bank accounts but you should see each bank’s website for details.

Different banks require different documentation, so you should check exactly what’s required beforehand. Contact one of our Recruitment Consultants for contact details of Banks in your area.

Family Healthcare

Public healthcare is provided to all UK permanent residents and those on work permits and is free at the point of need (being paid for from general taxation).

If you need to see a GP you will have to register with a surgery. Contact the GP surgery and ask to register with them. They will ask you to complete a registration form which they will forward to the local primary care trust (PCT), who will write to you confirming that you’re registered with the GP surgery. Your medical records will be transferred to the new surgery.

When you register with a new GP surgery, you’ll be invited to make an appointment for a health check within six months.

Healthcare under the NHS is free to those who have come to those who have come to the UK to work and also to their spouses, civil partners and dependent children. However, you will have to pay for dental treatment although some assistance is available depending on income.

To find GP’s, Hospitals, Dentists, Emergency Departments, Pharmacies and Opticians in your local area please see the service guide on the NHS website..

Travel

You will no doubt want to travel the country and visit some of the amazing places the United Kingdom has to offer. The following is some useful travel information and advice on places to visit.

By air

There are a number of international airports in the UK. The busiest airports include:

• London Heathrow Airport
• London Stansted Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Manchester Airport
• Birmingham Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Edinburgh Airport
• Luton Airport
• Belfast International Airport
• Bristol Airport

By Sea

The UK has ferry connections to Continental Europe, Scandinavia, Isle of Man, Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands including others, There are many individual Ferry operator websites with information on times and fares, including but not limited to; Brittany Ferries www.brittanyferries.com, P&O Ferries www.poferries.com and Stena Line www.stenaline.co.uk

By Rail

In England, Scotland and Wales, National Rail is a central point of contact for all train operating companies. You can visit their website for all timetables and journey planners at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/. Alternatively please see National Express for train travel journey options at www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx.
Translink are the operator of rail travel in Northern Ireland. Their website provides details of timetables and journey planners at www.translink.co.uk

By Road

In all parts of the UK, driving is on the left. The speed limit is 70 miles per hour (113km/hr). Other main roads are 60 miles per hour (97km/hr). Smaller roads in more built up areas are 20, 30, 40 and 50 miles per hour and will be signposted.

If your driving licence was issued outside of the UK, you are allowed to drive in the UK for 12 months without obtaining a British driving licence.

For bus journey options please see National Express website at www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx.
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For bus travel in Northern Ireland visit, Translink for all timetable and journey planners.at http://www.translink.co.uk/

Places to Visit

There are an abundance of exciting destinations, places and icons to visit in the United Kingdom from Stonehenge in England, the islands of Scotland and the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

There are numerous tourism sites available online but a good place to start is the official Visit Britain website and Northern Ireland tourist board website which has information about the country, things to do and places to visit.