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Frequently Asked Questions
Q How much does it cost me for you to find me a job?
Abel Staff do not charge candidates for getting a job, unlike many agencies
in the various EU Accession States. In fact, in the UK, under the
employment agencies act it is not permitted to charge candidates for getting
them a job. We are aware that many agencies disguise their charges such as
"career consultations" etc, we strongly disagree with this and recommend
that you never pay an employment agent for obtaining a job. We are paid by the employer who instructs us to find them
suitable staff.
Q How long will it take for you to find me a job in the UK?
Firstly we need to obtain all the necessary information and documents from you as
outlined in the “registration requirements”, as well as any other specific
documents that we request from you applicable to your trade / profession.
All documents must be translated into English language. You will then be
interviewed by a consultant of Abel Staff who will assess your overall
suitability to work in the UK. Upon successful completion, we will then
release your details to clients for specific job vacancies in the UK. The
length of this process depends on you providing us with the full necessary
information and obviously you being suitable for our clients. Generally
though we would say from your initial contact with us the process will take a
minimum of 4 weeks, for skilled professional vacancies it can take longer.
Remember you can help yourself
by providing us with all the required information promptly without
unnecessary delay.
Q If I get a job in the UK, where will I live?
Our priority is for you to live as close as possible to your new job in
decent comfortable accommodation. Some jobs automatically come with live in
accommodation, where this is not the case, the majority of our clients will
provide you with accommodation close to your new job. However you are
welcome to source your own accommodation. Accommodation can comprise of
shared flats & houses with other staff, bed & breakfast and bed sits.
You will not be accommodated in sub standard accommodation; this
is not how we work. You will be responsible for paying for your
accommodation either yourself or with prior agreement to your employer; this
may be automatically deducted from your salary. Unless you are told
otherwise, you are instructed to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag &
pillow). On receiving a job offer, your accommodation details will be
clearly outlined to you.
Q How much will it cost to live in the UK?
Costs vary around the UK according to area, London and the South East being the most expensive area to live.
At Abel Staff we believe that you must have the opportunity
to maximise your income after you have paid your day to day living costs.
Your primary living costs being; rental, food & any contribution to housing
bills. We have carried out much research and as an average around the UK we
would say that your weekly living costs would start from approx £100 per week,
obviously this depends how and where you live.
Q How much will I earn?
This depends on your job & salary. The UK latest average earnings index
shows that average pay for men & women is £26,989 per annum (please note
that this is average). Unskilled jobs will pay significantly less than
skilled jobs. The UK minimum wage from October 2004 is £4.85 per hour for
workers aged 22 and over and £4.10 per hour for workers aged 18-21 years.
It is unlawful for any workers working in the UK to earn less than their
respective minimum wage. The standard working week in the UK is
approximately 40 hours per week, depending upon your job and employer, if
you work in excess of these hours you will receive premium rates. Also
working unsocial hours i.e. nights and week-ends can pay extra. Upon
receiving a job offer your wage details will be clearly outlined.
As an overseas worker, your UK employer is not allowed to discriminate or pay you less because of this.
Q What taxes do I have to pay when I am working in the UK, and how
are they paid?
Working in the UK you will be required to pay Income Tax & National
Insurance, for the majority of workers your employer has a legal duty to
deduct these from your wages prior to you receiving them. Your employer
will also be responsible for paying your taxes. In the UK this is known as
PAYE (pay as you earn). You will receive a payslip with your pay from your
employer showing your gross pay and deductions (tax & national insurance)
and your take home net pay. In the UK, you will receive a personal
allowance, which makes the first slice of your income free of income tax.
Currently for 2004/5 the minimumum personal allowance is £4745 per annum which
equates to £91.25 per week. For most workers you will not pay any income
tax or national insurance on this amount. The current rates of income tax
in the UK are as follows; First £2020 after personal allowance taxed at 10%,
thereafter up to earnings of £29,380 you will pay 22% income tax. Any
earnings above £31,400 will be taxed at 40%.
Q How am I paid?
The most common form of payment by employers in the UK is by BACS, which is
a direct payment into your bank account. However some employers will pay by
cheque or even possibly cash. Depending upon your employer you will be paid
either weekly or monthly. These details will be clearly outlined in your
job offer.
Q What level of English do I require to work in the UK?
At Abel Staff to work in the UK, as a minimum we will require you to have a basic
understanding of the English language. You must be able to have a basic conversation and
take instruction. During your interview with us, you will be assessed on
your level of English language. Different employer's vacancies will require
differing standards of English language. We will not put you forward to a
job requiring a higher standard of English language than what you may have.
We always tell you what standard we believe your English language ability
is. Should we be unable to assist you because your level of English is not
good enough we shall let you know. Abel Staff do run English language
courses in some countries specifically designed for individuals wishing to
learn and better their English so as to obtain employment in the UK. If
your are interested in our English language courses, please ask us for further details.
Q What is a National Insurance Number?
A national insurance number is an official coded number issued
by the UK Government to every UK worker. We will assist you to apply for
your UK national insurance number when you have commenced work in the UK.
Q I am not an EU National can I still work in the UK?
Not without a valid work permit issued by the UK Government.
Q What work experience do I require to work in the UK?
This will obviously depend on the job you are applying for and
we will always inform you of this, we will not put you forward for a job if
we do not believe that you have the required level of work experience,
skills and/or qualifications/licences that may be required.
Q How much holiday do I get with my job in the UK?
The minimum level of paid holiday that you must receive by law
in the UK is 20 days per annum if you work fulltime.
Q What is the "Workers Registration Scheme"?
Applicable to citizens from the eight Central & Eastern European EU Accession Countries, citizens of these eight countries need to register
themselves with the Workers Registration Team at the Home Office after 1 May
2004. Individuals need to register under this scheme within one month of
starting a new job in the UK by sending the completed application form along
with a letter confirming the employment from the employer, two passport
photo's, ones passport or national ID card and payment of £50 to the Home
Office. Upon registration the worker receives, a registration card and
certificate, a copy of the certificate is also sent to the employer. Upon
working in the UK for 12 months, then a registration card and certificate is no
longer required, and employees will be able to apply for a residence
permit exercising their EU treaty rights. The following link takes you to
the WRS
Click Here . . .
Q Can I open a bank account in the UK?
Subject to your ID being confirmed by the UK bank, you should be able to open a basic UK bank account. To facilitate this you must
have your ID (passport/ID card) it will also assist if you can show evidence of your last address and existing bank account.
Abel Staff will be able to assist you with this. A basic bank account has
access to cash points and in some cases a debit card. After successfully
operating a basic bank account for a set period you will be able to upgrade
your account.
Q How do I register for working in the UK?
Initially we require your CV in English language format sent to
us by email, fax or post (email is preferred). Upon this you will receive an
application form to complete, and be required to also produce the following
documents:-
- A letter/certificate from your personal Doctor stating that you are
medically fit to come and work in your desired job in the UK, and that you
have no illnesses or have been hospitalised in the last 12 months. You may
be asked to complete a separate medical questionnaire.
- A letter/certificate from your local police station stating that
you are not a wanted person and the level of any criminal convictions that
you may hold.
- A minimum of 2 references/recommendations ideally from your current
and previous employers, or we will accept one recommendation from an
employer and one from a professionally recognised person that has known you for at least 3 years
and is not a member of your family and can state your
character.
- Copies of any relevant training certificates / qualifications and
any evidence demonstrating your well standing in your profession.
- Drivers - Will also need to provide a letter/certificate from your
transport police / vehicle licensing authority stating your entitlement to
drive and any current endorsements that are recorded on your driving licence.
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All documents that are required MUST be translated into English language for you to
be considered for a job in the UK. Any potential employers that we decide to
put you forward to will be able to view your details.
Q Will I be interviewed by your company?
In most cases you will be asked to attend an interview with a consultant of
Abel Staff, who will discuss with you your application, previous work
history and experience, general suitability for working in the UK and also
confirm your ID. Please ensure that you bring your up to date passport and
ID card.
Q Will I be interviewed by the employer?
Possibly depending on what job you are applying for. You may have to attend an
interview with the employer in your country which we shall organise and let
you know about. Alternatively you may have a telephone interview with the
employer. We will inform you of any employer interview arrangements.
Q How long would my work contract be in the UK?
Work contracts are issued for variable periods, in most cases for periods up to
12 months and sometimes longer. We will always advise you of the length of the job
contract. Upon completion of your initial contract, your employer may wish to extend
and renew your job contract. Alternatively, you may want us to find you a new job
in the UK. Our "job
vacancies" will outline details of how long individual job contracts are
for. In many cases initial contracts can also be extended upon agreement of
both employer and employee.
Q What happens if I am not happy when I am working in the UK?
Firstly you need to discuss this with both your employer and us. Remember
we are here to help you if you are having a problem. Upon your arrival in
the UK you will be issued with our "welfare help number", we are here to
help you and make sure that you have a happy good experience both working
and living in the UK. However please note that it is a two way process with
your employer, you will always be expected to carry out your job with your
best effort producing high standards of workmanship.
Q What will I need to bring with me to the UK?
We will fully advise you of everything that we recommend you bring with you to the UK.
Q How will I get to the UK and who pays for this?
The easiest form of travel to the UK is by air. There are many low cost
airlines with daily flights to the UK from your country. Unless you are told
otherwise, where your employer may pay for your travel, you will be required to pay
for your own travel to the UK. We have negotiated
discounted travel with some airlines. We shall purchase your travel tickets
and you shall be required to pay us the full cost. You will be clearly
informed in advance of the arrangements that apply to yourself. Please
ensure that you have a current valid passport with at least 18
months prior to expiry.
Q When I arrive in the UK how will I get to my new work place and
accommodation?
We will advise you fully of all the necessary arrangements that have been made
to ensure that you arrive safely at your new work place and accommodation.
We are also based in the UK; we are not just an overseas agency.
Q I have a friend who I would like to recommend to your company?
Thank you. It may be possible depending on your desired job for
more than one person to be employed alternatively we have many new jobs
arriving with us every day, and are always very interested in hearing from
candidates in the new EU Accession States. Please advise them to contact us
at the earliest opportunity.
Q Why should I find my job through your company and not another?
Regrettably we hear many bad stories about other employment
company's overseas promising work and taking payments from candidates. We
pride ourselves in our high standards of quality and care to all candidates.
We are a professional well respected company with many years experience
within the UK recruitment industry. Our code of practice on ethical
recruitment is as follows, which is why both our candidates and clients
can feel confident about using Abel Staff.
- Abel Staff operate to the strictest ethical standards with regard
to international recruitment.
- We always treat our candidates and clients information with the
utmost confidentiality.
- We do not charge candidates for obtaining jobs through us.
- We offer impartial advice to candidates on their suitability to
work in the UK.
- We always try to be honest in informing candidates as to their
chances of our being able to assist them in finding employment.
- We have many contracts with different organisations and always try
to offer candidates options with regard to their employment.
- For clients, we always try to offer a range of potential
candidates, each who may best meet their particular requirements in order
that they can choose the most appropriate for their needs.
If we have not answered your question, please email us now for advice; enquiries@abelstaff.com
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