Living and Working in the UK

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Living and work in London

London is a big place and it can be difficult to find your way around at first.  It’s a good idea to get yourself a tube and train map (both available from local rail and underground stations) so that you can familiarise yourself with transport links.  You might  also like to use a few specialist websites to help you check commuting times and distances and the  best way to travel from A to B – which can sometimes be on foot! Distances between underground stations can be surprisingly short.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

http://www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk/

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/

Opening a UK Bank Account

Opening a UK bank account is essential as most companies will pay you directly through this. Unfortunately opening a bank account can be quite complicated: it is not impossible but it can be a lengthy process. It is easier once you have a permanent job but you need to:

  • Provide proof of identity: - you need to prove who you are and where you live
  • Fill in an application form
  • Pay some money into your account (however some banks let you do this later).

Usually, the best documents to prove your identity are:

  • Your passport
  • Your driving licence
  • Your HM Revenue and Customs Tax Notification
  • Your invitation letter from Jobcentre Plus or the Department for Work and Pensions to open a Post Office Card Account.

The best documents to prove your address are usually:

  • A recent local authority tax bill
  • A recent utility bill
  • A bank, building society or credit union statement or passbook
  • A recent original mortgage statement, a local council rent card or tenancy agreement.

Some banks are friendlier and more helpful than others, so shop around. Agencies and employers may also be able to advise you.

Further information and advice can be found at:

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/02_HOW/Banking/mn_how_open.html

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/09_SAVINGS/savings_accounts/mn_identity.html

http://www.bba.org.uk/content/1/c4/58/03/proving_your_ID_2005.pdf (PDF document on providing your identity and opening an account

Obtaining a National Insurance Number

Everyone working in the UK needs a National Insurance (NI) number. Some companies like you to have one before you start work, whilst others will be happy to employ you without one initially. Full information on the process of applying and obtaining an NI number can be found through the following link

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nic/ynino.htm