Working in the UK

We kicked off the autumn international students’ careers programme with the first of our “Working in the UK” sessions. For those who weren’t able to attend I have given a brief summary below.  Details of all our events are available on our website and Facebook group.

Looking for part-time work?

One of the most common questions we get in the careers centre is about finding part-time work. Whilst many student visa’s insist that the student should be able to finance their life and study in the UK, working part-time brings in valuable additional income and develops the skills that employers find so important. During the vacation periods most international students can work full-time if they wish. Part-time work will often not be related to your degree but sometimes you may be able to find a related job that is available locally part-time.

Working in the UK: Paying your way!

This is the second installment from the Job Hunting in the UK seminar.  The previous posting detailed how to apply for a National Insurance number (i.e. your tax number).  It is adviseable to apply for this as soon as you have started working.

Like many other countries, the UK operates a “Pay as you Earn” system.  This is a method of paying income tax. Your employer deducts tax from your wages before paying you your wages. Wages includes sick pay and maternity pay. This means that you pay tax over the whole year, each time you are paid. Your employer is responsible for sending the tax on to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

You will have to pay tax if you earn more than £6,035 in the tax year (6/4/08- 5/4/09).

Students who choose to work solely in the holiday periods (summer, Christmas, Easter) may be able to receive wages without tax being deducted. To do this you need to complete a student exemption FORM 38S. However most students prefer the flexibility of working throughout the year.

More information about paying tax for work during studies can be found here.

Remember that in the UK there is a minimum wage.

 

Working in the UK: Getting started

For those who missed the session “Job Hunting in the UK”, the following is essential information to allow you to work legally in the UK. This is part one of two about Job Hunting in the UK.

Check your passport!

Non-EEA students will usually have a visa stating “no recourse to public funds. Work and any changes must be authorised.” This generally allows you to work up to 20hrs per week during the term-time and 40 hours in vacation time. If your passport states “No work or recourse to public funds” or “No recourse to public funds; Work prohibited” you are not entitled to work.

In order to work in the UK you must obtain a National Insurance number. This is effectively your Tax number – and something you will keep with you for your whole stay in the UK. You are permitted to start work without a National Insurance number but you must apply for it as soon as possible once you have started.

To get your National Insurance number you will need to contact Jobcentre plus (0845 6000643) and arrange an appointment to visit the Job Centre Plus in Woking. You cannot avoid this! It can be a lengthy process.

Remember to pick up a copy of “Know your Rights – employment rights for part-time workers” free of charge from the careers centre.