Can I work?

To get the most benefit from your time in London a part-time job can help you practise the English you learn in class, make new friends and earn a little extra money. It is important to remember that EU passport holders work under the same rules and regulations as UK workers.

However, if you are a non-EU citizen and have a General Student Visa (Tier 4) or a(n) (Extended) Student Visitor Visa, you are not allowed to work at all in the United Kingdom.

Getting a National Insurance Number

If you are looking to work in the UK you need a National Insurance Number. This number helps you pay the correct tax, your employer should help you obtain this.

Tax

When working in the UK you will get taxed at a rate of 22%. You are able to reclaim tax when you leave the country if you stayed under the personal allowance tax-free allowance for the year. There are companies that will help you claim tax back in return for a percentage of the money they obtain.

Your Rights and the Minimum Wage

All workers in the UK are protected by government legislation that covers working hours, holiday pay, overtime, dismissals and salaries. Visit the Worksmart website for details of your entitlements. Legally you are guaranteed a minimum wage which is dependent on your age. This is regularly reviewed by the UK government, call the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678 - Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.00 for the latest figures.

Advice on CV Writing

• Always begin the CV with your personal details, and don't forget to include your UK mobile phone number and your e-mail address
• The next section should detail your education please include dates, the full names of institutions, and the subjects and courses that you have studied and the qualifications you have achieved - It can also be useful to find out the names of the equivalent UK qualifications so prospective employers can assess your level of education.
• IT skills are very important, and the more information you can provide the better. Write down the software you are familiar with using
• Always get someone to check your CV for good grammar and spelling
• In the UK, a CV is typically one page long. Do not produce more than 2 sides of information as this will put employers off.
• Be realistic about your skills, especially your English skills as it will be clear at any interview what level of English you have achieved.

How to apply for a job

There are three different ways you can apply for a job:

1. Apply in person - many chain stores/cafes are always looking for staff and will have application forms in their stores or recruitment centres. Examples include: Starbucks, Pret a Manger, Eat, Sainsburys and Caffe Nero.
2. Use the internet. Sites such as Gumtree often have job advertisements.
3. Visit a job centre. The nearest job centre to the school is a 5-minute walk and is located on Denmark Street.

Don't forget you can always ask your classmates if they are working and if their employers are looking for new staff. Many of our students find their first job in this way. Job advertisements can also be found on the notice boards in the school's internet room.