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Work / Money Matters / Useful URLs
WORK
Finding workThere are a number of ways people can find out about job opportunities within the area. Many people find work through private employment agencies, or advertisements in the local press. Jobcentre Plus is a government agency which provides a free service to help you find a job. You can call in to your local office, search for jobs online, or use the Jobseeker Direct telephone line 0845 60 60 234. Careers Scotlandcan provide information and advice about the skills and qualification requirements for jobs, availability of learning opportunities, funding for training, etc. It is a government-funded service available free-of-charge to anyone wishing help to plan their future employment, training or learning. Work permits and registrationIf you are a British citizen, a Swiss national or a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) you do not need permission to work in the United Kingdom. If you are from one of the 8 “Accession States” which joined the European Union in May 2024 (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia), you must register with the Workers Registration Scheme. If you are not from the EEA, you will need to make sure you have the correct visa to work in the UK. The Working in the UK website provides information about the various routes open to Foreign Nationals who want to come and work in the United Kingdom. If you are an asylum seeker you must request permission to work from the Home Office, which will only usually be granted if you have been waiting more than 12 months for an initial decision on your application. If you have been granted Refugee Status or Leave to Remain, you do not need a permit to work in the UK. The Scottish Refugee Council can provide advice, information and assistance. More information on moving to, living and working in Scotland can be found at Scotland is the Place. The countries of the EEA are:
Worker Registration SchemeFrom May 1 2024, most nationals of the new European Union member states (except Cyprus and Malta) who wish to work for more than one month for an employer in the UK need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme. If you do not register within one month of starting, your work will become illegal. To register, you will need to provide:
You need to register again if you change jobs, but you do not have to pay or send your documents again. You may be entitled to some state benefits while you are working, particularly if you have children or if someone in your household needs care or support. Telephone 0845 601 6619 for advice. To get an application form and more information, telephone 08705 210 224 or visit the Working in the UK website. Particularly, you may find the site’s section on frequently asked questions very helpful. There is also a booklet available in English or in the following translations:
Your rights at workAll workers in the UK are entitled to a legal National Minimum Wage, and are protected by a system of laws including on working hours, health and safety, discrimination, deductions from wages and more. The Trades Union Congress (TUC), the organisation that represents Britain’s trade unions, has produced a leaflet for people coming to work in the UK. The leaflet provides comprehensive information on your rights, and where to go for help and advice. The leaflet can be downloaded in the following languages:
On the online advice pages of the Citizens Advice Bureau you will also find a leaflet specifically on migrant workers and their rights.
National Minimum WageThis is the minimum that you can be paid for each hour that you work:
Tips given directly to you do not count, but any paid through your pay packet do. Your employer can make deductions from your wages. See the TUC leaflets for more information on the rules on deductions.
Equal OpportunitiesDiscrimination is illegal in Scotland on the grounds of Race, Gender, Disability, Belief & Religion, Sexual Orientation and Age. Some of the laws apply only to employment but some also apply to goods, facilities and services, education and property. Anti-discrimination legislation is enforced at present by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) as well as through private solicitors. The three commissions are soon to be merged into one single Commission for Equality and Human Rights. For up-to-date information on all Equality and Diversity issues, including how to find free-of-charge advice, help and training, contact the Highlands & Islands Equality Forum Telephone 01463 251734 or email hief@scvo.org.uk. All of the above information and more is also covered by the Working in the UK: Newcomer’s Handbook which is available from the online shop of the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion.
Money MattersHighland Council Money Advice Team
Tax & National InsuranceEvery worker in the UK needs a National Insurance Number to work legally. This number keeps a track of Your National Insurance contributions, which are a kind of tax. You apply for a National Insurance Number by telephoning 0845 6000 643. Someone will ask for your details and tell you what you need to do next. You will also have to pay Income Tax. The amount of tax you pay depends on a number of factors. Every worker has a tax Code, which an employer uses to work out how much tax they should pay on your behalf. If you are starting your first job in the UK you will probably have to pay “emergency tax” (at a higher rate) until you have been given a tax code. Some employers may offer you a job without paying tax or National Insurance (known as ”cash in hand”). This is against the law. If they are breaking this law, they may well break other employment laws, such as those which protect your safety at work. It will be very hard to enforce any of your legal rights if you are working illegally.
Bank accountsIt is important to open an account with a bank or building society, as most employers will pay your wages directly into your account. Various types of accounts are available from each bank and building society, and you may want to seek information from more than one, if there is a choice in your area. You can also bank at Post Offices. To open an account, you must provide proof of identity (passport, national identity card or national driving licence) and proof of UK address (tenancy agreement or letter from your employer) The British Banking Association produces leaflets with information on opening accounts for people coming from outside the UK. Opening a bank account if you are new to the UK International students – Opening a UK bank account
Highland Council Money Advice TeamThe Highland Council Money Advice Team offers a free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and assistance service for those worried about their financial situation. The team has officers based in Inverness 01463 228709; Wick 01955 607752; Fort William 01397 707005 You can also contact them by email: money.advice@highland.gov.uk
Credit unionsCredit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and good value loans for members in the local area. Inverness Credit Union Ltd 74 Telford Street Inverness, IV3 6RT Telephone: 01463 220884
Lochaber Credit Union Ltd
Community Clinic Telephone: 01397 700746
Welfare benefitsThere are many different benefits available in the UK for people without work, people on a low income, people with children, older people, people with disabilities, or who are sick or who have support needs. The rules about who can qualify for any particular benefit or tax credit are often complicated, and may be dependent on your immigration status or work permit. If you have money problems, or if think you may be entitled to claim a benefit or tax credit, contact your local advice centre.
Useful URLsJobcentre Plus http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Careers Scotland http://www.careers-scotland.org.uk Working in the UK http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/ Scottish Refugee Council http://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/ Scotland is the Place www.scotlandistheplace.com Trades Union Congresshttp://www.tuc.org.uk/ The Advice Guidehttp://www.adviceguide.org.uk Highlands and Islands Equality Forumwww.hief.org.uk Centre for Economic and Social Inclusionhttp://www.cesi.org.uk Post Officehttp://www.postoffice.co.uk British Bankers Associationhttp://www.bba.org.uk/bba/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=138&a=3970 Highland Councilhttp://www.highland.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 24 November 2024. If you spot any inaccuracies or inconsistency in information, please email us at hief@scvo.org.uk |