At May & Stephens, we have a long history of success in finding employment for overseas workers, both through direct application and schemes such as BUNAC.
This section of the website is designed to make your stay in the United Kingdom as enjoyable and trouble free as possible.
Prior to Your First Booking:
Obtaining a Visa
Prior to your visit, you will need organise a visa which will entitle you to work in the UK. The type of visa you can obtain will depend on your personal circumstances: Ancestry Visa: These can only be obtained if your grandparents were born in the UK. These visas last for 4 years and can be renewed upon expiry. Right of Abode: You will be eligible for this visa if your parents were born in the UK. This visa is of indefinite duration. Working Holiday Visa: You are eligible for this if you are a Commonwealth citizen aged between 17 and 30. These are subject to a number of conditions, for more information please see http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf15workingholidaymakers UK/EU passport holders: If you possess a UK/EU passport, or are of dual citizenship, you are eligible to work without restriction. For EU Member States, please see http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_en.htm
Setting up a Bank Account
It is advisable to set up a bank account before you start work in the UK. There are a number of documents that a bank will require from you before it can set up an account:
1) Proof of identification e.g. a passport or driving licence
2) An original bank statement from your bank in your home country
3) Proof of your address in the UK e.g. a utility bill or your tenancy agreement
It may be possible to organise an account prior to your arrival, as some major banks may have affiliations with those based in the UK. Please ask your bank for further information.
Obtaining a National Insurance (N.I.) Number
Your N.I. number registers your eligibility for free hospital and GP services during your stay in the UK. It is not possible to obtain an N.I. number until you have commenced employment. Once you have done so, you will need to contact the Department for Work & Pensions to apply for your number. Until you receive this, it will be sufficient to supply your date of birth when asked.
For more information on the National Insurance scheme and how to obtain your number, please see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/ni_number.asp
Information About Tax Documents: P46: If you are working in the UK for the first time, you will need to complete this form. This must be signed before you undertake any temporary bookings. P45: If you have worked in the UK before, please ensure that you either bring this with you on registration, or enclose it with your first timesheet. P60: This is sent to you at the end of each tax year, showing you how much you have earned, and how much tax and N.I. you have paid. For general tax inquiries, please refer to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
General Information
Registering with a GP
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free or subsidised medical treatment to all UK nationals, and any overseas nationals who have resided in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months. If you are intending to reside here for more than 6 months, you must register with a GP. For more information, please see http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=1087
Registering with a Dentist
Unlike registering with a GP, you will need to pay for any dental treatment you receive, whether you are registered with an NHS or private dentist. The British Dental Association can provide a list of local dentists: http://www.bda-findadentist.org.uk/
Travel
The London transport network operates on a zone system. The centre of London is Zone 1, then Zone 2, and so on. Ticket pricing is based on how many Zones you will need to travel across. During your stay, it is worth using the Oyster Card system, which is the easiest and cheapest way to travel on the public transport system. For more information on travel in London, please see http://www.tfl.gov.uk
