The UK has always attracted foreigners as a country of opportunities for job search abroad. This country offers great prospects for those who are looking for new challenges and professional development. However, finding a job in the UK, especially as a foreigner, can be challenging. Find out more about the specifics of finding a job for foreigners and how to prepare for this process

To work in the UK, you need to be aware of all the rules and peculiarities of the legislation in order to avoid unscrupulous employers.

Firstly, it is important to remember that the minimum hourly wage in the UK is £9.5. These funds are usually transferred to your bank account, although sometimes employers pay in cash to avoid taxation. However, this can become a problem in the future, so it is important to be careful and decide on the form of salary. Usually, the employer is responsible for taxation under the Pay As You Earn scheme.

If you work on a contract basis, your employer must ensure that you are enrolled in a private pension scheme. You are obliged to contribute 3% or more of your salary (after tax) to this program, and the employer contributes the same amount. This program helps you save for your retirement, but you can only access it when you reach retirement age.

Jobcentre Plus to find a job in the UK

Jobcentre Plus is an important resource for finding work and support in the UK. The center specializes in providing services to both people receiving benefits and employers looking for employees. It offers a variety of services and programs to improve employment opportunities.

Jobcentre Plus provides the following services for jobseekers:

1. Training, counselling and placement programs: training and skill development opportunities that improve labor market opportunities;

2. Work experience, volunteering and trial work programs: gaining experience and developing professional skills through various forms of working relationships;

3. Start-up assistance: support for those with ambitions to start their own business by helping them identify the steps to success;

4. Help with balancing work and childcare or caring responsibilities: resources for those seeking to balance career and family responsibilities;

5. Additional help with specific problems: individualized approaches to solving problems that employees may face, and provides support in various aspects of work life.

The best part is that the center offers free employment counselling and training advice. They can also refer you to other organizations if you need specialist help. Jobcentre Plus helps you to create evidence-based, individualized action plans to help you succeed in the labor market.

 Employment counselor in the UK

One of the key aspects of successful employment in the UK is working with a dedicated Jobcentre Plus mentor. A mentor is your personal advisor who will help you to pave the way for achieving your career goals and support you in developing the skills you need to be effective in the workplace.

Your job coach is ready to perform the following functions:

1. Job Search Strategy: The counselor will help you develop a strategy for a successful job search and explain the expectations of the Vocational Placement Center;

2. Labor market: The counselor will tell you about the types of jobs available in the region, the companies that hire workers and the skills required for these jobs;

3. Vacancies: Choosing the right vacancies is a key step towards successful employment, and your mentor will help you with this;

4. Sectoral Work Academy Program (SWAP): if you want to try your hand at a new sector or industry, your mentor can show you how to do this by participating in the Program;

5. CV and cover letter: your mentor will help you prepare a professional CV and cover letter to stand out from other candidates;

6. Preparing for interviews: you will learn about effective interview techniques, get useful tips, and even have the opportunity to conduct a mock interview under the guidance of a mentor.

With a mentor, you will not only find answers to many questions, but also receive practical help and mentoring on the way to your future career.

Employment in the UK for people with disabilities

For many people with disabilities, getting and keeping a job is a big challenge. In the UK, the Access to Work program is designed to provide the necessary support and resources for people with a variety of physical or mental limitations related to a health condition or disability.

An employment counselor dispenses the help you need to ensure that you are able to get adequate employment and proper support. The Access to Work program makes sure that you do not have to lose your job, even if you face challenges at work because of your limitations.

Through the Access to Work program, you have the opportunity to apply for assistance that fits your unique needs. Here are just a few of the ways you may be eligible through this program:

1. Grants for practical assistance: paying for assistants or technical devices that make it easier to perform duties at work;

2. Support for mental health: professional support and services to improve your mental health in the work environment;

3. Communication Support: financial support for communication services.

The support you will receive through this program is individualized and tailored to your unique needs. This includes the opportunity to apply for a grant to help cover the cost of practical help in the workplace, psychological support to improve your mental state while at work and financial support to pay for communication support during employer interviews.

If you are a person with a disability, the Access to Work program is available to you and is designed to provide the help and support you need. Contact an Employment Counselor to learn more about this program and how it can support you on your career path.

The job search and internship process in the UK

When you are looking for a job, it is important to use a variety of resources that can help you find the right position for you. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK offers a unique opportunity for employers who are interested in hiring foreign workers. Jobcentre Plus advisers receive detailed job descriptions and can provide you with valuable advice and guidance.

Currently, there are many free job websites where you can search for jobs or internships in various fields. Some of them don't require an account to browse jobs, but you may need to create an account to apply. These resources offer a wide variety of jobs and career opportunities.

The National Careers Service is another important resource that provides one-to-one professional support. Here you can find useful guidance and information on career guidance, education and training. You can get advice in person, by phone or online. This resource provides important guidance for making the right decisions in your professional career.

Additionally, you can explore local job search resources such as municipal websites and job fairs. These events offer opportunities to meet with employers and can also provide information about events and companies looking to hire in your area.

You can also search for jobs online to find the right fit for your needs, and your career counselor is always available to provide more information on a variety of resources and job opportunities that match your skills and abilities."

Applying for a job or internship in the UK

When looking for a job in the UK, once you have identified the position you want to take, the next step is to apply for it. At this stage, an employment consultant can be of great help to you by providing useful tips and tricks.

A job application includes several important elements:

1. Application form: usually contains basic information about you and the position you are applying for;

2. A CV: this outlines your skills, education and work experience. It plays an important role when applying for a job. It is recommended that you create a CV that is relevant to the specific position you are applying for. CV templates are available online and your consultant can help you choose the right one;

3. Cover letter: can be sent by email or regular mail, or submitted in an online form. This letter allows you to introduce yourself to the employer, talk about your skills and knowledge, and explain why you are the right person for the job;

In addition, employers may ask you to provide certain documents:

1. Identity card;

2. Biometric residence permit;

3. Proof of professional qualifications and experience;

It is important to remember that you are not obliged to accept the job you are offered if it does not suit you. Your visa does not depend on any particular job you accept or reject. The employer also has no right to withhold your identity documents before you start work.

After submitting your application, you may be invited to an interview. The format of the interview may vary depending on the position or company. You may be asked questions at a formal interview, or you may be asked to complete a probationary period. Before the interview, you will be informed if you need to prepare anything additional, such as a presentation.

Employers may also ask for references from people who can confirm your suitability for the job. These are usually colleagues or supervisors with whom you have worked or people who have known you closely. Gathering references can be part of the interview process."

Minimum wage in the UK

In the UK, the minimum wage system is an important aspect of labor law. Every employer is obliged to pay their employees a minimum rate per hour, but this amount depends on the age of the employee.

Under current legislation, persons considered to be "workers" must be at least of post-school age to receive the minimum wage guaranteed by the state. For those aged 23 and over, the level of the state-guaranteed subsistence minimum is set at the level of the minimum wage.

This means that employers must ensure that their employees' salaries meet these standards. In other words, employment contracts that set a lower minimum wage are not legally binding and will not be recognized as valid.

Regardless of the terms of the employment contract, employees have a legal right to the minimum wage or subsistence level guaranteed by the state. This legal provision applies to a wide range of workers, including part-time workers, agency workers, seafarers, as well as people with disabilities and many other categories.

Working hours in the UK

UK law limits employees' working hours to a maximum of 48 hours per week for a period of 17 weeks. This is known as the 'working time directive' or 'working time regulations'. However, you can work more hours if you opt out of the 48-hour per week limit.

If you are under 18 years old, the limit is even stricter - no more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.

There are cases when working hours may exceed 48 hours per week. For example, in sectors where the presence of personnel is required around the clock, such as the armed forces, emergency services or police. It also applies to security workers, service personnel in private households, seafarers, fishermen, and persons in management where working hours are not measured, as in the case of an executive director who makes decisions himself.

So, finding a job in another country can be an important step in your career. The UK offers a variety of opportunities for expatriate workers and with the right preparation and perseverance, you can succeed.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to UK, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in the UK.

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