Working in the U.K.

Holybejaysus

Can someone tell me what is necessary for an Irish citizen to start working in the U.K.? I was under the impression you just found a job and started working, but I'm told from a friend of mine that you must apply for the equivalent of a PPS number. Also, you must have a U.K. bank account, and a U.K. address.

Is this correct? He also told me that it takes an average of 6 weeks to complete this process. Does anybody have any experience of this?

Richard571

You need a national insurance number (equiv. to PPS) although you can apply for this prior to moving to UK. Bank account etc not required per se but most employees will pay wages through electronic fund transfer so in parctise is required. Some may pay via cheque(although still need a bank to cash). Very rare to be paid in cash.

Holybejaysus

Thanks for that Richard, do you know where I can apply for that PPS number?

Richard571

You will need to telephone Jobcentre Plus on Tel 00 44 845 600 0643 (lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday) to arrange to get one.

They may require you to attend an 'Evidence of identity' interview - if they do you will need to turn up in person with your passport - should be quick enough and if still in Ireland you could probably do this in the North or arrange for the interview the first day or two you are over in UK. This is just to make sure you have legal right to work in UK (i.e. have a EU passport).

They will be able to give you your national insurance number straight away you can use if you find a job and you will get a card 8-12 weeks later.

Fratton Fred

You can start work without an NI number, but you will pay emergency tax. They are very strict when it comes to handing these out and you may even need an address in the UK to start the process.

Bank accounts are also hard to get, don't close yours in Ireland until your UK one is set up, as they can give you a reference.

who the fug

Halifax have a simple saving account which gives a debit card out and is easy to get.

Topper Harley01

Richard571 wrote: »

You need a national insurance number (equiv. to PPS) although you can apply for this prior to moving to UK. Bank account etc not required per se but most employees will pay wages through electronic fund transfer so in parctise is required. Some may pay via cheque(although still need a bank to cash). Very rare to be paid in cash.

I tried ringing them last week, they don't give out NI numbers unless you are resident in the UK. The woman said I would need a bank account too. So it looks like a trip to the UK will be on the cards to get it set up....

mikedragon32

Moved from travel.

Country lane

Came across this article and thought might be useful for lads moving over in the construction game - http://www.cisireland.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsId=630

Triona00

Hi,

Just wondering does anyone have any info on is there any difference in applying through an agency or directly though the NHS for nursing jobs?

Is there another thread I could post this question to?

Any help would be great

Thanks
Catriona