Coming to the UK
Coming to the UK to work and live can seem a daunting prospect at first. However, we have put together some handy hints and tips on coming to the UK, who to contact before and after you arrive here and information on the UK tax system. The majority of our Temp Consultants have all been in your situation and are from the Southern Hemisphere, so if you are confused or just need some advice, feel free to send them an email at temps@candm.co.uk and they will be happy to help!
Working legally in the UK
Unless you have a British or European Union passport you will need a visa to work in the UK. C&M Travel Recruitment are not able to process your visa application however we do have tips and links on getting your visa. When you contact your local British Consulate you may be asked to provide proof that you are actively seeking work in the UK. In this case, we will be happy to provide you with a letter to confirm that you have registered with us and are on our database. Simply send us your CV and a brief email outlining your proposed travel dates and plans and any queries.
It is worth remembering that if you have a 2 year working visa, you may only accept temporary contract employment. If you have a 4 year ancestry visa, you may accept temporary or permanent employment.
Useful links
Bank accountsIt can be very difficult opening a bank account in the UK so you are best advised to look into opening up an account from home before you arrive. It will save you a lot of time and effort when you arrive! We can help you once you have registered by writing to your bank to let them know as some banks need proof from your employer before they will give you an account. Some of the UK banks include
- HSBC – www.hsbc.co.uk
- Natwest – www.natwest.com
- Barclays – www.barclays.co.uk
- Lloyds – www.lloydstsb.com
Accommodation
It's well worth doing some research before you arrive in the UK as there are many options, especially in the major cities. There are a lot of accommodation listings in the UK, but two of the most popular are www.thegumtree.com or www.loot.com for accommodation to share/rent.
News from Home
It'ss easy to stay in touch with what's going on at home when you are in the UK. There are several free publications and websites that include news from home as well as local jobs and accommodation and all sorts of things to do in the UK. These include TNT, In London and NZ News, www.sanza.co.uk and www.thegumtree.com.
Tax and National Insurance
Staying in TouchWhen you arrive in the UK, it’s advisable to have a mobile phone, so that we can stay in touch with you about your assignments. It’s worthwhile considering a ‘Pay as you Go’ deal, which are available from many UK stores. Alternatively you may be able to get a SIM card for your current mobile, but it’s worth checking if that’s possible before you arrive in the UK.
Once you know that you are definitely coming to the UK and have your flight details and an idea of where you will be staying, it’s time to get in touch with us! There’s nothing quite like having peace of mind for when you arrive and a job to walk straight into! Email us at temps@candm.co.uk and find out your next move and be sure to include how we can contact you! Good luck!
