The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is today one of the most important players on the world stage, and is a member of the European Union, a permanent member of the UN’s Security Council, and a founding member of NATO and of the Commonwealth. The UK has the fifth largest economy in the world, and is a member of the G8 group of nations. It is also one of the major nuclear powers.
At it’s height in the mid nineteenth century, the British Empire spanned much of the world’s surface, and today the UK is home to a multicultural population, partly as a result of imperial legacy. It has a rich cultural heritage and has spawned some of the greatest figures in the arts and sciences, such as rock n’ roll band the Beatles, poet William Shakespeare, and physicist Sir Isaac Newton.
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UK Facts
• Population: 66,000,000 (est)
• Principal Language(s): English
• Capital: London
• Other major cities: Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow
• Monetary unit: 1 Pound Sterling = 100 pence
• Internet domain: .uk
• International dialling code: +44
Jobs in the United Kingdom
Prior to the global economic crisis the UK offered ample job opportunities and unemployment was below 5%. Since the crisis hit and also Brexit, the UK economy took a bettering and saw unemployment soar. The country has been struggling to return to growth for the past few years and thanks to a lessening in the severity of the Euro crisis and a slow recovery in the USA and Asia the economy has picked up, albeit in a far weakened state to what it was prior to 2008.
Compared to many European nations the UK’s employment level stands tall and has seen the number of job opportunities increase over the past year.
If you are a citizen of the European Union then you are no longer eligible to work in the UK without the need for work permits or Visas, only a passport was previously needed. If coming from Europe/abroad now, you will need the relevant documentation to be eligible, to find out what is needed it is a good idea to contact your nearest British embassy.
In-demand Skills and Jobs in the UK
Nursing, dentistry and teaching are the most in-demand jobs in United Kingdom due to the increasing number of aging population and low birthrate.
Aside from that, only few numbers of teenagers consider a career in health care and nursing. Due to lack of medical and teaching workers in UK, it is easy for aspiring migrant workers to process their documents and acquire work permit.
Except nursing, dentistry, and teaching, UK is also looking for workers to fill the following positions:
• Medical Services • Doctors • Ophthalmologist • Occupational • Therapists • Physical Therapist • Pharmacies • Veterinary Surgeons • Dietitians • Engineers • Aircraft Engineers • Railways Engineers • Power Supply Engineers • Structural Engineers • Communication • Engineers • Highway Engineers
There are also other job openings in UK, although not in shortage list, where workers can also acquire work permit once employer haven’t found qualified residents to occupy the position. The following are:
Senior Care Workers • Community Workers • Managers • Specialist Chefs • IT Staff
Based on UK Home Office, job openings under shortage list make it easy for the applicants to enter in UK as compare to those in non-shortage occupation. Likewise, employers need not to prove that they are not capable to fill the position with local residents.
While, job openings under non-shortage list give work permits when the employers was able to prove that they are not competent to look for local residents to occupy the position.
Short Term and Seasonal Jobs in the UK
The UK also offers short-term jobs for workers from European countries, ages 18 to 30, and it only requires minimum qualification. The work permits should not exceed 12 months and they can only come back to the country after two months.
Short-term jobs offered in UK are: • Bar Staff • Chefs • Kitchen Assistants • Concierge Staff • Room Attendants • Waiting Staff • Reception Staff • Cleaners • Housekeepers • Fish Filleters • Meat Cutters • Mushroom Processors.
Best Places to Find Work
Wondering where to begin your job search? The bulk of the UK’s economic growth is centred in the South East in the country with London being the major location for ample job opportunities. Unemployment levels steadily rise the further north and west you go from the capital. Several industries offer very little opportunities such as manufacturing and heavy industry. Most of the production in these sectors is now carried out abroad in Asia. If you are looking for a skilled job then a high English ability is crucial as are recognised qualifications.
The United Kingdom has many famous and historic city’s so we take a look at each of the capitals of the nations that make up the country.
London
England’s capital city is also the capital of Great Britain, and has a population of up to 7.5million people (12.5% of the UK population) it is also one of the most famous cities in the world. London has been the centre of English power for over a thousand years; and is home to the iconic buildings of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and many more. London is home to people from hundreds of different nationalities and in the recent census it was revealed that more than 50% of the city’s population are of foreign heritage. Property prices are often exceptionally high in the capital, but prices decline the further out of the city you go. For a vibrant multicultural lifestyle could do worse than London.
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland and the seat of Scotland’s devolved parliament, Edinburgh is a fantastically cultural city that seamlessly blends the old with the new. The city hosts a great university and hosts some of the UK’s biggest cultural festivals. The city is home to only half a million people but sees up to 13 million visitors every year. During the main festival month of August, the population of Edinburgh swells by more than one million, making it, temporarily, the UK’s second largest city.
Cardiff
Over the past decade the Welsh capital city has seen something of a revival. With powers being devolved to the Welsh parliament and the construction of the impressive millennium stadium the city has seen its number of visitors soar. The Welsh have regained their confidence and national pride, and with it their capital has blossomed making it an appealing destination for expats.
Belfast
The city of Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest in the whole of Ireland. Famous for its pubs and nightlife the city attracts many tourists and party goers from England. Belfast has had a troubled past as it was the epicentre for the ‘troubles’ between Catholics and Protestants. These days, it is a vibrant, bustling city.
Top Tips for Finding Work
The UK jobs market is incredibly competitive at the moment with dozens or even hundreds of people applying for the same positions. Youth unemployment is particularly high and is a growing problem for the UK government.
Here are some tips to help you find a job in the UK:
• Research the United Kingdom’s immigration rules. Depending on your immigration status you may not be eligible for some jobs.
• Decide on where in the country you want to go. The UK maybe relatively small but location is vital. The North tends to have high unemployment and the Southeast has the lowest levels.
• If a position does come up, apply for it quickly as there’s a good chance there will be a lot of competition for the job.
• It’s a good idea to be patient after all trying to start a new life takes time. It’s often a long process to get settled.
British Visas
Despite many Brits, moaning about out of control immigration the UK has very tough immigration laws. Before applying to live in the country, you should ensure that you have all of the necessary visas and documentation required for entry, otherwise be prepared to be sent packing.
Who needs a Visa?
If you are not a British citizen, you might need entry permission to enter the UK. The Home Office has three categories based on entry requirements:
• Citizens of the European Union: People from one of the Unions member states do now require entry clearance to enter the UK to work. Citizens from Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland also fall into this category.
• Non-Visa nationals: These people only need a Visa if coming to the country to settle down of find work. This category is mostly comprised of peoples from the Commonwealth. On arrival in the UK, you will be given an entry stamp to the UK for 6 months. If you wish to extend your stay, you will need to apply to the Home Office and pay a fee.
• Visa nationals: Must have a Visa to be granted entry.
You will also need a visa if you:
• Are stateless (you do not have a nationality).
• Hold a non-national travel document (a travel document which does not give you the nationality or citizenship of the country that issued it).
• Hold a passport issued by an authority unrecognised in the UK.
How to apply for a VISA?
To apply for a Visa you will need all of the following documents:
• A Visa application form that you can obtain for free online or from your nearest British embassy.
• A valid passport or travel documentation.
• Two or three recent passport-sized colour photos.
• Any supporting documents required.
Supporting documents can include:
• A work permit.
• Evidence of qualifications.
• Evidence that you can support yourself and any family members, bank statements or a letter from your bank are acceptable.
• A valid passport.
The Visa application process can be as quick as 24 hours but it also pays to ensure you apply long in advance before your move.
Citizenship
To become a British citizen you need to fulfil certain conditions, be aware that the rules and regulations for citizenship change on a fairly regular basis.
• To have been a permanent resident in the UK for at least one year.
• To have legally lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 complete years (with no more than 450 days spent abroad, and no more than 90 days on the year leading up to the application).
• Intend to continue living in the UK.
• Have adequate knowledge of English, Gaelic or Welsh.
• Be of “good character” (i.e. have no criminal record).
Working in the United Kingdom FAQ
Money
The Pound is the official currency of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man use their own system of pound sterling. The currency is also used in the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar. A pound is subdivided into 100 pence. A number of nations that do not use sterling also have currencies called the pound. Egypt is one example. The pound sterling is the full name used to distinguish the UK pound from the other forms of pound.
Sterling is the fourth most traded currency in the world behind the US dollar, Euro and Japanese Yen. Combined with those three currencies the pound is one of the basket of currencies that make up the IMF special drawing rights. Sterling is the third most held reserve currency out of the global reserve currencies.
During the days of the British Empire, sterling was used all over the world and was often in circulation alongside the native currencies of the British territories, the nations that used sterling included Australia, Cyprus, New Zealand, South Africa and British West Africa.
The UK itself is a constitutional monarchy comprised of the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland. Each member country has Queen Elizabeth the second as their head of state. The population of the UK is estimated at over 62 million people and has the seventh largest economy in the world.
Salaries and Conditions
Depending on your job the conditions and pay will vary greatly. The national minimum wage for people over the age of 21 is currently £6.19. The wage is poor considering the cost of goods and services in the country. Your working conditions can also range from terrible to excellent depending on the type of work you get. Office jobs often see workers work from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. These types of hours are growing increasingly rare in the UK with most employers now expecting staff to work weekends or shifts.