October 28th, 2023 at 06:12 am
UK Work Permit | How to Get a Job and Work in UK
While the UK has the fifth largest economy and a number of significant business hubs, it nevertheless has a skilled worker deficit – Learn about the industries that are hiring grads and how to apply for jobs.
The country’s unemployment rate is a comparatively low 3.7% (September 2022), and the graduate labor market is as strong as it has been in a long time. Graduate job competition is strong, but candidates with the necessary qualifications, abilities, and experience have a decent chance of getting hired.
Because language abilities are becoming increasingly vital, many foreign nationals are desirable prospects. As a foreign worker, you’ll be in excellent company in the UK, which boasts numerous multinational communities.
It’s no wonder that the UK is a popular location for overseas graduates looking to start their careers, given its diversified job sectors, good working conditions, and numerous employment options.
Jobs in the United Kingdom
The following are major industries in the United Kingdom:
- finance, banking, and accounting
- construction
- education
- engineering
- healthcare
- retail.
The services sector dominates the UK economy, with banking, insurance, and business all playing important roles in the country’s expansion. Metals, chemicals, aircraft, shipbuilding, motor cars, food processing, textiles and clothing, design, the arts, and electronic and communications equipment are among the key sectors.
The manufacturing business has declined in recent years, but it is crucial to highlight that this sector still employs a considerable number of people.
Look for employment openings at:
Skills shortages in the UK
Currently, there are a variety of shortage vocations, including:
- Accountancy, banking, and finance – actuaries, economists, and statisticians
- Business services – analysts, market researchers, HR officers
- Construction – surveyors, architects, planners, and project managers
- Creative arts and design – artists, dancers and choreographers, musicians, graphic designers, producers and directors
- Education – primary and secondary school teachers (particularly maths teachers)
- Engineering – electrical, design, and development engineers, mechanical and chemical engineers, civil engineers, and, product and process engineers
- Healthcare – nurses, carers, health managers and directors
- Hospitality – baristas, chefs
- IT – cyber security analysts, SEO marketers web design, program/software developers, and systems engineers
- Science and pharmaceuticals – nuclear medical scientists, biochemists, construction scientists, laboratory technicians
- Social care – counselors, social workers.
How to Get a Job in the United Kingdom
Most jobs in the UK can be applied for online by sending a CV and cover letter or by filling out an application form. CVs should be no more than two sides of A4 and cover letters no more than one page. Find out more about CVs and cover letters.
Networking is essential, and word of mouth fills many openings. Make use of any pre-existing UK contacts to inquire about job openings and inform them that you are actively looking for work in the nation.
Speculative applications are also accepted and might be advantageous when applying to small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), which do not usually advertise vacancies.
Apply for jobs as soon as possible, as many organizations have lengthy hiring processes. Complete the application in your home country and relocate once you’ve been offered a position.
Because of the significant turnover of employees, the hospitality and retail industries frequently recruit all year. The creative arts and design sector frequently hires in London, whilst marketing and public relations thrive in areas such as Birmingham and Manchester.
If you are chosen for a position, you may be required to attend a series of interviews. These could be one-on-one interviews with your prospective line manager or panel interviews with managers and human resources personnel. To choose successful candidates, larger firms and graduate programs frequently utilize a combination of psychometric testing, assessment centers, and interviews.
British visas
After finishing your studies, you will be able to stay in the UK for two years with a Graduate visa. This will allow you time to look for work and apply for a work visa.
A skilled worker visa allows you to stay in the UK for five years before applying for permanent residency. Apply for the visa three months before you begin employment, along with documentation of a job offer from a recognized employer.
A Health and Care Worker visa could help you satisfy demand in the healthcare sector. You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional, and your employer must have Home Office approval.
For self-employed individuals, there are additional Innovator and Start-up visas available. They will enable you to stay for two to three years if you can demonstrate that your idea is viable and unique.
If you are traveling for employment, school, or enjoyment, you may be able to obtain a Short-term visa, which allows you to stay for up to six months.
The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your visit. To find out what you’re eligible for, go to GOV.UK – Work in the UK.
What it’s like to work in the United Kingdom
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is the standard working week in the United Kingdom. Work hours should be specified in your job contract, and you should not be required to work more than 48 hours a week unless you desire to.
Employees have the legal right to request flexible and part-time work schedules.
Adult employees are entitled to at least one day off each week, four weeks of paid annual leave, sick pay, maternity and paternity leave, and parental leave. Employers are not compelled by law to provide days off for bank or public holidays, however many do.
In England and Wales, there are eight bank/public holidays every year, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland.
Except for a few exclusions, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW) in the United Kingdom. As of April 2023, the hourly rate for workers aged 21-22 is £10.18, and for those aged 18 to 20, it is £7.49. If you are working, above the age of 23, and not in your first year of an apprenticeship, you are entitled to the government’s NLW of at least £10.42 per week.
Income tax is the tax you pay once you begin working. Taxable income includes earnings from employment as well as gains from self-employment. The majority of persons are entitled to a personal allowance of tax-free income, which is now £12,570. The basic rate of income tax is now 20%.
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