The UK at a Glance
Working in the UK
iStockphotoLondon is still the economic growth engine of the United Kingdom.
Most foreign nationals working in the UK have one advantage over their British colleagues or competitors: They are fluent in at least one more language than many British citizens working in the UK. This is an important factor if you consider working in the UK, but aren’t sent on a traditional expat assignment. There is always a high demand for speakers of foreign languages working in the UK, from engineers to teachers, from local government officials to sales personnel. In particular highly-skilled people fluent in languages spoken by traditional immigrant communities in the UK are much sought after.
The number of people aged 16 and over who are currently working in the UK reached 31.52 million in 2010. London, despite its unemployment above the national average, is the place where most people working in the UK end up. Europe´s financial capital attracts a lot of international business, and most multinational companies have a London branch. So, during your time in Britain, you’ll probably be working in the UK capital.
Working in the UK: Permits and Qualifications
Despite the demand for foreign languages, English remains an essential requirement for most people working in the UK. If you need a permit for working in the UK, English language skills will be mandatory. Many foreign nationals who consider working in the UK also require a work permit or an entry clearance. This is, however, not necessary for nationals of most EU/EEA member states and some other countries. Please refer to the UK Border Agency for detailed information.
Work permits are issued on a points-based system. If you come to the UK on an expat assignment, a so-called Intra-Company Transfer, or have a job offer in the UK, your employer will act as your sponsor. They can apply for a work permit on your behalf. It is, however, your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements for working in the UK.
For people planning on working in the UK whose English needs brushing up, there are several courses offered by language schools and British universities, sometimes also via distance learning. The University of Cambridge´s ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) programme offers a wide range of certificates and professional English exams, e.g. the Business English Certificate (BEC). Another one is CIELT (Certificate in English Language Test), awarded by the College of Excellence; and two long-established testing systems, IELTS and TOEFL, which are offered by several institutions around the world, including the British Council. Please check the list of English Language Tests that have been assessed as meeting the UK Border Agency’s requirements if you’re thinking about working in the UK.
Working in the UK: Finding a Job
There are a number of recommended sources for those keen on working in the UK. The Guardian newspaper is widely recognised as the best source for skilled job seekers in the UK. All big and reputable companies, especially those who want to reach an international audience, advertise their vacancies in The Guardian. It dedicates several pages to different fields of employment on certain days of the week, e.g. media jobs on one day, vacancies in the public sector on another. In addition, it offers an extensive, nationwide job database online searchable by anyone with an interest in working in the UK.
As in most countries, the Internet in general is a valuable tool for job seekers. If you are merely looking for a local part-time job, a good place to check is the notice board of your local library. Also, for people considering working in the UK for a limited period of time, registering with recruitment agencies specialising in temp jobs is often the way forward.
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