Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)
Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)

Work

In this section:

Your visa and BRP will tell you whether you’re able to work in the UK and any restrictions on who you can work for. Employers will ask you to prove you’re entitled to work. If you have any queries visit:

If you’re able to work in the UK you’ll also need a national insurance number.

 

Finding a Job

Jobcentre Plus can help you to apply for or find jobs, and there will be a branch in the area you choose to live in.

Find a Job is an online service that is supported by the government. You can use it to search and apply for jobs.

Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on the internet, in employment agencies, on supermarket noticeboards and in shop windows. Companies often show vacancies on their websites.

 

Qualifications and training

Many jobs need special qualifications. You may have studied to obtain qualifications in another country and will need to check whether these are accepted here. UK ENIC (the UK National Information Centre for global qualifications and skills, managed by Ecctis) can help you to get your qualifications recognised and translated.

Finding voluntary work can also help you gather useful skills and experience to help with job applications. It may also help you make friends with people who have a shared interest and is a great way to give back to the community you’re living in.

 

Applying for a job

When you’re looking for a job, the employer will set out what you need to do to apply. They may also provide a job description, which will explain what they’re looking for.

You will often be asked for a curriculum vitae (CV), sometimes known as a resumé, which summarises your skills and experience. Many organisations ask you to fill in an application form online, so you need to be prepared with all the relevant information before you start. It’s important to tell the truth; if you don’t, you might lose your job later.

 

Interviews

You may be called for an interview. You should dress smartly, whatever the job. There may be a task to prepare for the interview and you should also think of some questions to ask about the job.

If the job involves working with children or vulnerable people, you’ll need a criminal record check before you can take up any job offer.

 

References

 A company may ask to see references from your previous jobs or people who know you well before they offer you any role. Make sure you check that people are happy to be contacted.

 

Rights and responsibilities at work

Once you’ve found a job, both you and your employer have legal responsibilities. For example, your employer needs to pay you for your work, treat you fairly and care for your health and safety. You’ll need to work with reasonable skill and care, follow reasonable instructions, and work when you’ve agreed to.

We also make sure that people aren’t exploited in work by addressing issues such as modern slavery and trafficking.

 

Paying income tax and National Insurance

People in the UK pay tax on their income. This pays for government services such as roads, health and education. Tax is usually taken directly from your pay by your employer.

Everyone below the state pension age who is working must also pay national insurance contributions. They’re usually deducted in the same way as income tax.

Your pay slip will show how much you’ve been paid and how much is deducted for tax and national insurance.

If you’re self-employed, you must pay your own tax and national insurance contributions.

 

Children and work

Working mothers and fathers enjoy certain rights, but are also responsible for keeping their employers informed.

If you’re a new parent, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities at work, such as time off for antenatal care, maternity/paternity pay, and maternity/paternity leave. Make sure you tell your employer about your plans.

 

Children at work

There are strict laws about the work children can do. Generally, they can’t work until the age of 13. From 13 to 16 they can only do light work on a part-time basis and can’t work in places such as pubs, betting shops or factories.

 

Problems in the workplace

A range of laws protect employees in the UK. If an employer breaks the law, employees have the right to take legal action against that employer.

 

Equal rights and discrimination

It is against the law for employers to discriminate against someone who works either part-time or full-time, on any of the following grounds: gender; marital status; gender reassignment; race; disability; sexual orientation; religion or belief; and age.

In Northern Ireland, the law also bans discrimination on grounds of political opinion.

 

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment can affect both men and women. It can take different forms including: indecent remarks; the display of offensive or inappropriate material; inappropriate comments about the way you look; comments or questions about your sex life; inappropriate touching or sexual demands; bullying or being treated in a way that is rude, hostile, degrading or humiliating because of your sex; or decisions made in the workplace that are based on the acceptance or rejection of sexual demands.

If this happens to you, tell a friend, colleague or trade union representative and ask the person to stop. Keep a written record of what happened, and anyone who may have seen or heard the harassment. If it doesn’t stop, report it to your employer or trade union.

Employers are responsible for the behaviour of their employees and should take action to deal with the problem.

 

Losing your job

You may lose your job if you fail to do it properly or break your contract in some way. You may also lose your job if your employer no longer needs you.

 

Dismissal

You can be dismissed immediately for gross misconduct. This includes things such as theft, physical violence, seriously neglecting your work or refusing to do as you are asked.

You can be dismissed if your employer claims you can’t do your job properly; are unacceptably late; or are absent from work without explanation. Before dismissal your employer must give you a warning and the opportunity to improve. If things don’t improve, you can be given notice to leave.

You can’t be dismissed unfairly, including where your working life is made so difficult that you have to leave. If you feel that you’ve been wrongly treated, you should take your case to an employment tribunal, which is a court that deals with issues at work. There will be a fee for doing this.

Employment Tribunal (GOV.UK)

 

Redundancy

You may be made redundant if the company no longer needs you or can’t afford to pay you. You’re normally legally entitled to redundancy pay – but only if you’ve been working for your employer for two years or more.

 

Pensions

Everyone in the UK will get a state pension provided by the government when they retire if they’ve paid enough national insurance contributions.

Many people also receive a pension through their work and some also pay into a personal pension plan. If you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for a workplace pension, which means your employer must make payments towards your pension. Many people also receive a pension through their work and some pay into a personal pension plan. If you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for a workplace pension, which means your employer must make payments towards your pension.

 

Working for yourself

If your immigration permission allows you to, you may want to set up a business and work for yourself. You should ensure that you’re aware of all the requirements that may be involved.

 

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