Working in London

If you are about to begin your first visit to the UK or have recently arrived, we have compiled a guide with some key points for you to think about. The guide covers a range of topics from money and finances to healthcare and lifestyle information.

Money Matters – Tax and National Insurance

Money Matters – opening a bank account

Keeping Healthy – healthcare and dentists

Where to Stay – finding the right accommodation

Out and About – information on transport

Useful Information – contacts and holiday dates

To find out about the wide range of jobs we currently have available in the UK, click here.

Money Matters - Tax and National Insurance

The UK tax year starts from 6th April and ends on 5th April. If you have just arrived in the UK, and intending on working via PAYE (Pay As You Earn) you will need to complete a P46 which can be obtained from Witan Jardine. You will also need a National Insurance Number (NI) that contributes towards paying social security and other benefits, such as free hospital and doctor services.

If you have already worked in the UK, you will need to provide us with your P45. This shows information relating to previous earnings, tax and National Insurance deductions. Your P45 should be obtained from your previous employer each time you work and given to your new employer.

For more information on obtaining a National Insurance number you will need to contact the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) at www.dwp.gov.uk

Your NI number will be posted to you in 12-14 weeks. However in the meantime you will be given a temporary NI Number. Should any complications arise which result in you needing to meet with a DHSS consultant, you will need to provide proof of employment – i.e. pay slip or letter of registration.

For more information on taxation or National Insurance matters, please contact

www.hmrc.gov.uk

Money Matters - Opening a Bank Account

Whilst you are working in the UK, you will need to have a bank account set up in your name or your Limited Company name to ensure you receive your weekly earnings. These are relatively easy to open. You may be requested to provide the following information:

Proof of employment.
Proof of address your UK address (i.e. telephone or gas bill).
Two forms of identification (i.e. passport, driving licence).
Copies of recent bank statements from your bank in your home country.

As a precaution, a reference from your bank in your home country will always provide solid evidence of your banking history.

Most UK banks recognise international bankcards provided they have an international symbol on it, such as Cirrus or Visa, which will allow you to readily access your accounts and funds in most locations. We advise that you check with your bank that you have access to International and Internet banking processes before your departure.

For more information on British leading banks please visit their websites

Lloyds TSB Group – www.lloydstsb.com

Natwest – www.natwest.com

HSBC – www.hsbc.com

Bank of Scotland – www.bankofscotland.co.uk

Keeping healthy – Healthcare & Dentists

National Health Service (NHS)

The National Healthcare is the UK’s health insurance scheme and was introduced to provide affordable treatment for all British Nationals and overseas nationals residing in the UK for six months or more.

The British Government has signed reciprocal health care agreements with the governments of all countries within the European Union, as well as those from:

Bulgaria
Czech & Slovak Republics
Gibraltar
Hungary
Malta
New Zealand
Russian Federation
Former Soviet Union States (except Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)
Yugoslavia (i.e. Serbia & Montenegro) together with successor states Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia and Macedonia.
Anguilla
Australia
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Channel Islands
Falkland Islands
Iceland
Isle of Man
Montserrat
Poland
Romania
St Helena
Sweden
Turkey
Caicos Islands

Upon arrival you will need to register with a local General Practitioner (GP). Once registered, you will be entitled to free or subsidised medical advice and treatment. To find out where your nearest GP is located you can contact The Local Health Authority quoting your postcode on 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS website on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Dentist

If you require a dentist whilst working in the UK you will need to pay for treatment (you do not need to register with a dentist until you need dental care).

To find out where your nearest dentist is located you can contact the NHS website quoting your postcode on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Where to stay – Finding the right accommodation

Finding accommodation when you first come to live in the UK can be a job in itself. It can also be expensive, but this should not put you off as your earnings can match the cost of living. However there are many options such as hostels and hotels that provide budget accommodation before you find longer-term accommodation.

There is a huge variation in the cost of living across the UK. London being the most expensive location, you can expect to pay anything from Ł300-Ł800 a month for rental accommodation.

It can be expensive renting a place in the UK as most landlords require a month’s rent plus a deposit/bond which can be up to a 6 weeks rent. However the advantages of renting is that they are generally furnished rooms and provide some kitchen facilities. To save unnecessary stress, you will need a reference to give to your landlord and may want to consider asking the following questions:

Find out if the property is furnished or whether you will have to provide any or some of your own furniture.
What bills are included in the cost of the rent and what are counted as extra to avoid any confusion at a later date.
Find out exactly how much landlords are charging per month as some advertisements mislead you by giving a weekly rate.

Additional charges you need to be aware of include:

Council tax
Water /sewage rates
Gas
Electricity
TV licence.

Some good websites and papers to search for accommodation (both for rentals and buying) are:

www.findaproperty.co.uk

www.propertyfinder.co.uk

www.fish4homes.co.uk

www.loot.com

Out and about

Transport - London

If you arrive in London, we recommend that you buy an A-Z street map (Ł5). They’re inexpensive and very handy for sight-seeing on foot!

The Tube /Trains/Buses

The London Underground or the Tube is probably the most efficient way to travel around London.

Although buses are also a popular means of transport, in particular outside the areas not serviced by the tube. You can purchase Travelcards that permit you travel on both the buses and tubes operating in zones 1-6 and daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly Travelcards.

A monthly zone 1-6 Travelcard, which will take you anywhere in London and to parts of Greater London costs around Ł150.

For more information such as timetables and general transport information you can visit the following website:

www.tfl.gov.uk

Other public transport information for major cities in the UK can be accessed at:

www.ukwebsmart.co.uk

Taxis

Black cabs operate locally within each major city of the UK. However they can be expensive, particularly in London where the traffic is always bad, as you are charged for the time you spend in the cab. There are a number of commercial taxi companies that can be hailed, booked in advance or hired from taxi ranks. Beware of unlicensed minicabs, there is no guarantee they have the appropriate insurance or even a driving licence!

Car

If you intend on driving in the UK you will need to produce your own national driving licence or apply for an international driving permit. This will permit you to drive any class vehicle for up to 12 months in the UK.

For car hire, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and Budget all have offices based in the UK. For more information visit:

Useful Information

Useful Contacts

All of these UK numbers are available to contact whilst in the UK.

Emergency Services – 999

Telephone Operator - 100

Directory Enquiries – 118118

International Directory Enquiries – 153

Public Holidays - 2007

England & Wales

New Year’s Day 1st January