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There are rules and guidelines in the United Kingdom for
students wanting to work while they study. These must be
followed carefully, or visa/immigration problems can occur.
This page is designed to explain to you what you can and
cannot do. International
Students
Those in the UK on a STUDENT VISA may only work 20 hours per
week during term time. If they work any more than this, they
are breaking the rules of their visa. They can work as many
hours as they like during holiday periods. If you are on a
student visa, you must also be enrolled on a full-time course
(any course of more than 15 hours' daytime study per week).
Students with any other type of visa can work as many hours as
they like, unless their visa states that work is 'prohibited'.
This means this type of student cannot work while studying.
Prohibition on taking employment
The words on this visa stamp state that "you must not engage
in employment paid or unpaid.
This means that you have to obtain the permission of the Home
Secretary before you can work. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN YOU
WORK.
EU/EEA Students
Students from the EU or EEA may work as many hours as they
like, and may attend part-time courses if they wish.
Although in many respects students from countries within the
EEA are free from many of the constraints, which apply to
other international students, their entry and stay are in the
UK are still subject to certain conditions. Distinction is
made too, between the right of EEA workers and EEA students.
It should be noted that, in some instances, UK immigration law
conflicts with EEA law and in such case those penalised by the
immigration rules could have recourse to European courts.
For more information, visit these websites:
National Insurance Numbers
To work in the UK, employees need to have a National Insurance
(NI) number. This number is NOT available to international
students UNTIL they have a job AND a letter confirming the
employment from the employer.
Contact the International Office for more details on how to
get this number. This rule is applicable to EU and non-EU
students
Easy Ways To Find Part Time Work in
London
Shops, bars, restaurants and hotels
Most students find part time work very
easily. The easiest jobs to find are in shops, restaurants,
bars and hotels. These kind of jobs usually offer flexible
hours and pay of approximately £5 per hour. The simplest way
to find these types of jobs is to go on foot and speak to
the manager in person. You may be asked to leave your CV or
fill out an application form and subsequently attend an
interview.
Office work and skilled jobs
If you wish to find a job in an office or
using some special skill you have then this may take a
little longer but is likely to pay better. These kind of
jobs might require a different more formal approach. In many
cases it is advisable to apply in writing.
Recruitment agencies
Although not the best source of part time
jobs, London has hundreds of recruitment agencies. All are
free of charge for the potential employee. Recruitment
agencies usually have many contacts so you may be offered a
number of opportunities. Usually you have to submit your CV
and fill out an application form. Many agencies will also
want to have a personal interview and in some cases test
your computer skills. It's important to select an agency
according to the type of work you are looking for. Some
agencies offer all types of jobs, others specialise in
certain fields such as technical jobs or offer only full
time work.
Newspapers
London has many newspapers, which
advertise vacancies every day. The following
newspapers are the most common sources of
part-time job advertisements:
· Loot
Published 6 times a week. Tues is the best day for jobs.
· Evening
Standard
Published Mon-Fri. Mon is the best day for jobs.
· Metro
Free newspaper issued at train stations. Thursday is the
best day for jobs.
· Local
and regional newspapers
Internet
·
www.justjobs4students.co.uk
Student recruitment agency.
·
www.studentjobs.co.uk
Student recruitment agency.
·
www.prospects.ac.uk
student recruitment agency.
·
www.loot.com
Select 'Recruit' for job listings.
·
jobs.thisislondon.co.uk
Site run by the Evening Standard newspaper
·
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Government employment service
·
www.reed.co.uk
Recruitment agency
·
www.monster.co.uk
Online recruitment agency
Job Centres
The Job Centre is the government run
employment service. They are located all over London, but
the address below might be the most convenient for you.
Coburg House
63-67 Newington Causeway
London
United Kingdom
SE1 6LS
Telephone: 020 7805 3100
Click here to Email Jobcentre Plus
Other sources of jobs
Walking Tour
Spot 'in the window' adverts, speak to people and make an
impression, check out the organisation and its location.
Recruitment Fairs
Look out for the dates in newspapers and on the internet
Networking
ask friends and other contacts. Teletext
on most television sets
How To Write a CV
It's important to remember that your CV
may need to be written in a different style to the standard
expected in your own country. You should also write the CV
according to the type of job being applied for. For example,
if you are applying for a job in a shop emphasize any
customer service skills you have.1-2 pages is standard
unless you have a lot of specific experience such as
technical qualifications in which case you may need 3 or
more pages.
Remember that a CV is a sales brochure advertising your
education, skills and experience. You must capture the
attention of the employer. Think about what the employer
will want to read and make it stand out.
Don't be afraid to highlight your achievements. For further
tips on applying for jobs including writing a CV and
covering letter plus attending interviews please see
www.prospects.ac.uk and click on
'Applications and Interviews'. |
