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Working in UK
There are rules and guidelines in the United Kingdom for students wanting to work while they study. These must be followed carefully, or visa/immigration problems can occur. This page is designed to explain to you what you can and cannot do.

International Students

As an adult student under Tier 4 (General), you are allowed to:

  • do part-time work during term time (see below);
  • do full-time work during vacations;
  • do a work placement as part of your course;
  • work as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised Foundation Programme; and
  • work as a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.

For more information about work placements, see the Your course of study page.

The maximum amount of part-time work you can do during term time is:

  • 20 hours per week if you are studying a course at or above UK degree level or a foundation degree course, and/or if you made your application to study under Tier 4 (General) on or before 2 March 2010; or
  • 10 hours per week if you are studying a course that is below UK degree level and is not a foundation degree course, and you made your application to study under Tier 4 (General) on or after 3 March 2010.

The work you do must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme), and you must not be self-employed, employed as a doctor in training (except on a recognised Foundation Programme) or as a professional sportsperson (including coach) or entertainer.

You can work full-time during vacation periods, within the above limits. If you have completed your course and you make an application to remain in the UK under the points-based system before your existing permision to stay expires, you can work full-time (within the above limits) until your application is decided.


EU/EEA Students

Students from the EU or EEA may work as many hours as they like, and may attend part-time courses if they wish.

Although in many respects students from countries within the EEA are free from many of the constraints, which apply to other international students, their entry and stay are in the UK are still subject to certain conditions. Distinction is made too, between the right of EEA workers and EEA students.

It should be noted that, in some instances, UK immigration law conflicts with EEA law and in such case those penalized by the immigration rules could have recourse to European courts.

For more information, visit these websites:
www.ukcosa.org.uk
www.britishcouncil.org

National Insurance Numbers

To work in the UK, employees need to have a National Insurance (NI) number. This number is NOT available to international students UNTIL they have a job AND a letter confirming the employment from the employer.
Contact the International Office for more details on how to get this number. This rule is applicable to EU and non-EU students

Easy Ways To Find Part Time Work in London

Shops, bars, restaurants and hotels

Most students find part time work very easily. The easiest jobs to find are in shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. These kind of jobs usually offer flexible hours and pay of approximately £5 per hour. The simplest way to find these types of jobs is to go on foot and speak to the manager in person. You may be asked to leave your CV or fill out an application form and subsequently attend an interview.

Office work and skilled jobs

If you wish to find a job in an office or using some special skill you have then this may take a little longer but is likely to pay better. These kind of jobs might require a different more formal approach. In many cases it is advisable to apply in writing.

Recruitment agencies

Although not the best source of part time jobs, London has hundreds of recruitment agencies. All are free of charge for the potential employee. Recruitment agencies usually have many contacts so you may be offered a number of opportunities. Usually you have to submit your CV and fill out an application form. Many agencies will also want to have a personal interview and in some cases test your computer skills. It's important to select an agency according to the type of work you are looking for. Some agencies offer all types of jobs, others specialise in certain fields such as technical jobs or offer only full time work.

Newspapers

London has many newspapers, which advertise vacancies every day. The following

newspapers are the most common sources of part-time job advertisements:
    Loot
    Published 6 times a week. Tues is the best day for jobs.

    Evening Standard
    Published Mon-Fri. Mon is the best day for jobs.

    Metro
    Free newspaper issued at train stations. Thursday is the best day for jobs.

    Local and regional newspapers

Internet
    www.justjobs4students.co.uk
    Student recruitment agency.

    www.studentjobs.co.uk
    Student recruitment agency.

    www.prospects.ac.uk
    student recruitment agency.

    www.indeed.co.uk
    Fresh and relevant jobs throughout the UK
    www.loot.com
    Select 'Recruit' for job listings.

    jobs.thisislondon.co.uk
    Site run by the Evening Standard newspaper

    www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
    Government employment service

    www.reed.co.uk
    Recruitment agency

    www.monster.co.uk
    Online recruitment agency

Job Centers

The Job Centre is the government run employment service. They are located all over London, but the address below might be the most convenient for you.

Coburg House
63-67 Newington Causeway
London
United Kingdom
SE1 6LS
Telephone: 020 7805 3100

Click here to Email Jobcentre Plus

Other sources of jobs
    Walking Tour
    Spot 'in the window' adverts, speak to people and make an impression, check out the organisation and its location.

    Recruitment Fairs
    Look out for the dates in newspapers and on the internet Networking
    ask friends and other contacts. Teletext on most television sets
How To Write a CV It's important to remember that your CV may need to be written in a different style to the standard expected in your own country. You should also write the CV according to the type of job being applied for. For example, if you are applying for a job in a shop emphasize any customer service skills you have.1-2 pages is standard unless you have a lot of specific experience such as technical qualifications in which case you may need 3 or more pages.

Remember that a CV is a sales brochure advertising your education, skills and experience. You must capture the attention of the employer. Think about what the employer will want to read and make it stand out.

Don't be afraid to highlight your achievements. For further tips on applying for jobs including writing a CV and covering letter plus attending interviews please see www.prospects.ac.uk and click on 'Applications and Interviews'.