WORKING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Czech version                              Estonian version  

 

Hungarian Version                         Latvian Version  

 

Lithuanian Version                          Polish Version  

 

Russian Version                             Slovak Version  

Contents

Contents

Introduction

Working in the UK

Finding Work

Employment Issues

Accommodation

Health

Social Security

Taxation

Annex A: General Information

Annex B: Checklist

Annex C: Comparability of Qualifications

Introduction

The British Government has decided to allow free movement to those who genuinely want to come and work in the United Kingdom.

Genuine workers from eight Accession (A8) countries - Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia - will be allowed access to the UK labour market via the Worker Registration Scheme. We believe this to be beneficial to UK economy, expanding the range of skills and supply of workers available across the UK.

By opening up our labour market to registered workers from the A8, the UK is ensuring that those who come here to work will do so legally, and be protected by UK employment legislation.

Nationals from the A8 member states who are in the UK but who cannot find work, or who will not work, will not have access to Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, State Pension Credit, Social Housing, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, child tax credit or child benefit.

Workers considering coming to the UK should also take account of housing costs, which are much higher in the UK than in Poland. For example, the average cost of a two bedroom apartment in Manchester is £450 a month; in Edinburgh £600 a month; and in London £800 a month.

The concession granting free movement of workers could be withdrawn at any time if there is evidence of abuse, or negative labour market impacts in any region or sector. However, no retrospective action will be taken against registered workers, should the concession be withdrawn.

Working in the UK

To work in the UK you must have a full EU/EEA passport or National Identity card of one of the Member States of the EU/EEA or Switzerland;

From 1 May 2004, Polish nationals and other nationals of the new EU member states (except Cyprus and Malta) wishing to work in the UK will be required to register with the Home Office.

Registration on the scheme confirms that you have been formally admitted to the UK labour market and provides evidence that you are contributing to the UK economy.

Once you have been working legally in the UK for 12 months, without interruption, you will acquire full free movement rights and will be able to obtain an EEA residence permit confirming your status.

These arrangements will not apply to nationals of Cyprus and Malta. None of the EU member states are imposing restrictions on free movement for workers from Malta and Cyprus. Malta and Cyprus are both members of the Commonwealth and if you are a national of either of these countries you may apply for a residence permit.

Application forms (EEC1) and further information can be obtained from:

The Applications Forms Unit on 0870 241 0645. (If you are deaf and hard of hearing, there is a free-phone text-phone service on 0800 3898289), and

to download from our website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

New Worker Registration Scheme (WRS)

If you are a national of one of the eight new Member States, including Poland, you will be required to register with the Home Office if:

• you start a new job on or after 1 May 2004

• you have been working in the UK before 1 May without authorisation

• you are working on a short-term or temporary basis

• you are a student who is also working

You do not need to register with the WRS if you are a citizen of the UK, an existing EEA State or Switzerland, or if :

• you are self-employed

• you have been working legally in the UK for 12 months or more in your current job on 1 May 2004

• you have been working legally in the UK and you stay in the same job after 1 May 2004

• you were given leave to enter the UK as a participant on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) before 1 May 2004

• you are providing services in the UK on behalf of an employer who is not established in the UK

• you are the family member (spouse, or child under the age of 21) of a Swiss or EEA national who is in the UK working

• you are the family member of a Swiss or EEA national who is in the UK and is a student, or retired or self sufficient;

• you are a family member of a person who is legally working in the UK.

If you are exempt from registration it will normally be because you have full free movement rights. If this is the case you will be able to obtain an EEA residence permit confirming your status.

You must apply to register with the Worker Registration Scheme as soon as you start a new job, but not before 1 May 2004. You must be registered within the first month of starting your new job.

How to Apply

You should complete an application form stating your name, address, date of birth and the employment details.

Application forms are available from our distribution centre on Tel: 08705 210 224, or from the Applications Forms Unit on Tel: 0870 241 0645. (If you are deaf and hard of hearing, there is a free-phone text-phone service on 0800 3898289), and to download from our website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk.

The completed form should then be sent, by registered post, to

Worker Registration Team

Home Office

Walsall Road

Cannock

WS11 0WS

The following must be sent with your completed form

• a copy of your employment contract or a letter from your employer confirming your employment

• two photographs

• your passport or ID card

• £90 fee

If your application is successful, you will be sent:

a registration card, which will include your name, date of birth, nationality and a unique reference number. The registration card is valid for as long as you are registered on the scheme;

a registration certificate, in the form of a letter. This authorises you to work for the employer specified in your application. A copy of the certificate will be sent to your employer. The certificate expires on the date you stop working for that employer. If you are no longer working for that employer when the certificate is issued, the certificate is no longer valid.

Your passport or ID card.

You should keep the registration card and certificate in a safe place.

In the unlikely event that your application is not successful, you will be sent a letter of refusal and your passport or ID card. Your payment will be refunded in full. A copy of the refusal letter will be sent to your employer, if appropriate.

Changing Jobs

If you change jobs, you will need to renew your registration with the Worker Registration Scheme, using the application form WRS.

You will need to quote the reference number on your registration card and provide details of your new employment.

You will then be issued with a new certificate specific to your new employment. A copy of the certificate will be sent to your new employer. You should keep the new certificate as well as your original certificate and photo registration card. You only have to pay the first time you apply to the Worker Registration Scheme, but you must apply for a registration certificate for each job you are doing.

For further information please access the Home Office website www.workingintheuk.gov.uk or ring 00 44 (0) 114 259 4074

If you lose your job

You will no longer be a registered worker, and will not be entitled to income-related benefits unless you have worked in the UK legally for 12 months without interruption. (Breaks, totalling 30 days will not count as an interruption)

Work-Seekers

If you are an A8 national looking for work in the UK, you will only have a right to reside provided you are not an unreasonable burden on the UK benefit system. You will not have a right to benefits unless you have worked in the UK legally for 12 months without interruption. (Breaks, totalling 30 days will not count as an interruption)

Self-employed

Self-employed workers must register with the Inland Revenue immediately by telephoning 0845 915 4515. There is a penalty of £100 for late registration.

If you cease to be self-employed (for reasons other than because you were temporarily incapable of work as a result of an illness or accident) and you are unable to support yourself, you will lose the right to reside in the UK and will not be entitled to income-related benefits. Call +44 845 915 4515 for further details.

Finding Work

European Economic Area¹ (EEA) and Swiss nationals have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom without a work permit. From 1 May 2004, A8 nationals working in the United Kingdom have the same rights as British nationals with regard to access to jobs, rates of pay and working conditions. Workers from the A8 countries will be required to register as soon as they start working in the UK. Families and dependants of work-seekers are entitled to join them and have similar rights provided they are self-sufficient and do not become an unreasonable burden on the state. Please note that this does not apply to the Isle of Man or the Channel Isles where work and other permits will be necessary.

For more information on moving to the United Kingdom contact the British Embassy in Poland.

EURES (European Employment Services)

Labour offices in Poland will have information on jobs in the UK, supplied through the EURES network. EURES is a partnership between all of the employment services in the EEA, to support free movement of workers. The EURES system circulates job vacancies and enables access to up-to-date information on living and working conditions in each EEA Member State via a computer network.

There are over 600 specially trained advisers throughout the EEA. Their role is to promote employment mobility within Europe. They are called EURES advisers and they specialise in the practical issues surrounding employment in the EEA Member States. EURES advisers can be contacted via your local labour office or from the website below.

The address for the EURES website is: www.eures-jobs.com

EEA nationals looking for employment elsewhere in the EEA may register their CVs on the website’s CV-Search service. Registered employers use the service to search for suitable applicants for their vacancies and are able to contact the jobseeker directly.

Jobcentre Plus

As an EEA national you have free access to the services of the British Employment Service, Jobcentre Plus. Jobcentre Plus has a network of offices throughout the UK where staff can help you find work locally, nationally and internationally. From the UK, look in a telephone directory under Jobcentre Plus or Jobcentre. Alternatively, call Jobseeker Direct on Tel:

0845 606 0234. Jobcentre Plus vacancies (including those for work overseas) are also advertised on the Internet. The website address is: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

UK Employment Agencies

Recruitment agencies are an important source of jobs in the UK in most towns and cities. Look under Employment Agencies or Personnel Consultants in a business directory e.g. Yellow Pages for addresses and telephone numbers.

Some UK employment agencies are registered with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). REC is a trade association of recruitment agencies and may be able to recommend an agency to help you in your search for work. If you write to REC outlining the type of employment you are looking for, they should be able to provide you with a list of suitable agencies licensed by the Department for Work and Pensions.

You can contact them at:

REC

36 - 38 Mortimer Street

London

W1N 7RB

Tel: 0800 320588

Website: www.rec.uk.com

It is illegal for employment agencies in the EEA to charge jobseekers for finding them work. However, there have been instances where agencies have asked for a fee in advance to cover training, administration costs or for health checks. These costs would normally be borne by the agency’s customer employer. If you are in any doubt about having to pay a fee to an agency, please consult your local labour office in Poland, or Jobcentre / Jobcentre Plus office in the UK.

The Press in the United Kingdom

The main daily newspapers are a good source of professional and executive job vacancies. The following UK newspapers have websites:

• The Guardian recruitment.guardian.co.uk and www.jobsunlimited.co.uk

• The Independent www.independent.co.uk

• The Times www/the-times.co.uk/

• The Daily Telegraph www.appointments-plus.co.uk

• The Financial Times www.ft.com

Professional journals and magazines available in the UK may also be a useful source of jobs, especially if the journal is world-renowned. 'Benns Media', a directory listing all UK trade magazines and journals, is available in public reference libraries.

Professional Associations and Unions

If you belong to a professional association or union try contacting them for details of links with counterparts in the United Kingdom. Consult the reference book 'Trade Associations and Professional Bodies of the UK' at your local reference library.

Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce in the United Kingdom are a useful source of company information. For further information contact the British Chamber of Commerce:

The British Chambers of Commerce London Office

1st Floor

65 Petty France

St James Park

London, SW1H 9EU

Tel: 0207 654 5800

Fax: 0207 654 5819

Website: www.chamberonline.co.uk

Email: info@britishchambers.org.uk

Seasonal Work

This type of work is more readily available during the summer months and typically, will be in places such as hotels, factories, farms, holiday centres, etc.

Information about seasonal and casual work can be found in a range of books that cover working abroad. These are available in many bookshops and reference libraries; some examples are listed in the Further Reading section.

Employment Issues

The employment protection applicable in your country does not extend to work wholly or mainly outside your own country. The terms and conditions of employment are a matter of agreement between the employer and yourself.

You will find guidance on your rights on the Employment Relations website of the Department for Trade and Industry: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/index.htm

Contracts

It is advisable, where possible, to obtain terms and conditions of employment in writing before you leave for the UK. If you are offered a contract, check carefully the terms and conditions of employment (including disciplinary procedures and performance conditions). Make sure you fully understand what is written in the contract before signing it. The employer may be able to provide you with a copy in Polish; otherwise you may need to seek help with translation. Check the method and frequency of your pay. Also ask about relocation expenses and accommodation arrangements and whether you will get help with costs and what conditions apply. You are likely to be paid directly into a bank so find out what documentation is needed to open an account as soon as possible – your own bank may be able to help. For information about your rights visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/pay/contracts-pl810.htm

Working Conditions

The Working Time Regulations 1998 (founded on the EC directive on the organisation of working time) cover the rights of workers and obligations of employers concerning a range of working time conditions - maximum working hours, annual leave entitlement, rest periods, health and safety etc. There is some flexibility within these regulations, so you should expect to find some variation in working practices from employer to employer. In general, most workers can expect a basic 37.5 hour working week with a minimum four week annual holiday entitlement.

For a leaflet explaining these regulations call 00 44 (0) 845 6000 925 or visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/work_time_regs/wtr0.htm .

For further information or advice on these regulations, call either the nearest Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) public enquiry point (under “Information Services” in business directories eg yellow pages) or www.acas.org.uk or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Information Line on Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7 215 5000

Pay and the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage currently entitles workers aged between 18 - 21 to a minimum wage of £3.80 per hour, which rises to a minimum of £4.50 per hour for workers aged 22 or over. These levels can only be affected by provision of accommodation or accredited training. From 1 October 2004 this will rise to £4.10 per hour for 18-21 year olds and £4.85 for workers aged 22 and over.

For more information, call the DTI National Minimum Wage enquiry line on 00 44 (0) 845 6000 678. Information is also available on the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw/index.htm

Statutory sick pay commences after four days though companies usually top this figure up with their own sick pay schemes for established workers.

There is no legal requirement for employers to recognise trade unions either for negotiation or representation, but unions do exist and negotiate on behalf of the workforce in many industries. There is no legal requirement for workers' councils and very few exist.

Dismissal and Termination of Contract

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) aims: 'to improve the performance and effectiveness of organisations by providing an independent and impartial service to prevent and resolve disputes and to build harmonious relationships at work'.

If employment disputes occur, ACAS can help by offering conciliation. Conciliation is voluntary and attempts through discussion and negotiation to enable parties in dispute to reach their own agreement. Complaints in which ACAS can conciliate include unfair dismissal, equal pay, sex and race discrimination.

ACAS can be contacted by telephoning their public enquiry points. The number of the nearest public enquiry point to you will be listed in business directories eg yellow pages under “Information Services”. For information about your rights visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/individual/fair-pl714.htm

Equal Opportunities

Under the Race Relations Act 1976, racial discrimination is unlawful in all areas of life such as employment, education and advertising. This legislation is enforced by the Commission for Racial Equality.

Sexual Discrimination is also unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Acts 1975 and 1976. These acts cover areas such as employment and training, housing and education. Women in Britain are entitled to equal pay with men when doing similar work and legislation is enforced by the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Accommodation

Rented Accommodation

Accommodation is often advertised in local newspapers but there are also many estate agencies and accommodation agencies that deal with rented accommodation. Shop windows are also used to advertise lodgings. Furnished and unfurnished homes can also be rented from private landlords and housing associations. Hotels and guesthouses provide short-term accommodation in most areas. An advance of one months rent plus a refundable bond for furnishings is usual. If you use an agency you can expect to pay an additional fee.

New lettings of rented accommodation are regulated by the Housing Act 1988. New lettings are generally of two kinds: assured tenancies with long-term security of tenure, and assured shorthold tenancies for a fixed period of at least six months.

Tenants in Britain have legally-protected rights. It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants from their home without a court order. Harassing tenants to make them leave is also a criminal offence. You should report any case of harassment or illegal eviction to the Local Authority, which has the power to prosecute. As well as lettings by private landlords, some houses and flats are also rented by non-profit making housing associations. They receive public subsidies, which help to keep their rents down to affordable levels. They also provide accommodation on a shared ownership basis, allowing the occupier to part-rent or part own a home.

Comparison of rented accommodation costs

Rents vary widely according to size and standard of accommodation and on a regional basis. Rents are highest in London and the South East (in London they are 50% higher than the national average). People in London are paying an estimated £387 per week on Council tax and travel to work, in addition to rent.

Short-term accommodation includes Youth Hostels, YMCA/YWCA hostels, Bed and Breakfast places (B&B) and hotels. Local tourist offices will be able to provide information on all such accommodation; most will be able to make reservations on your behalf.

Buying Accommodation

Information about houses and flats for sale is available from estate agents (or from solicitors in Scotland) and advertisements in newspapers.

Health

A reciprocal agreement between Member States enables you to get urgent medical treatment free in the United Kingdom. If you are coming to the United Kingdom for a short visit to look for work you should obtain form E119, before you leave Poland. If you are coming to the United Kingdom as an Au Pair, or for a short visit, you should obtain Form E111 before you leave. If you are an employee who is being posted abroad for a short period then your employer should get form E128 on your behalf. See the Living & Working section on the EURES website for more details: www.eures-jobs.com

Doctors and Dentists

You should apply to your local health centre to be registered with a National Health Service (NHS) doctor. Note that some NHS doctors also practise privately so ensure that you are treated as a NHS patient or you may have to pay the full cost of the treatment.

You will need to register with a dentist in the UK. Please note that most are private and you will be charged for treatment.

Prescriptions

In the UK there are charges for prescribed medicines, dental services, eye test and spectacles. However, if you are on a low income or already receiving other state benefits you may be able to get help with the cost of these items. For further information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or social security office.

Further information

For further information on your health rights while in the UK contact:

Department of Health

Primary Care Branch

Room 7E04

Quarry House

Quarry Hill, Leeds

LS2 7UE

Tel: 0113 254 5834

Social Security

If you have not lived and worked in the UK, you will not normally have paid National Insurance contributions here, and so will not be entitled to contributory benefits.

Work-seekers and the economically inactive – including lone parents, the retired and students – from the A8 Accession Countries will generally be excluded from income-related benefits. This is because the right to reside in the UK depends upon having sufficient resources so as not to become an unreasonable burden on the UK benefit system.

Registered workers and self employed people, may be eligible for in-work support, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit.

Further information is available from the Department for Work and Pensions website: www.dwp.gov.uk

Transferring Unemployment Benefit

If you are entitled to unemployment benefit and have normally been claiming this for at least four weeks in your own country, you may continue to receive it for up to three months in the United Kingdom, while you actively seek work here but only at Polish rates. You must obtain form E303 before you leave. This form, which secures the payment of your unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom, should be taken to your nearest Jobcentre/Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible after your arrival in the United Kingdom. For more details contact the employment service in your own country.

Pensions

Under EEA regulations, if you work in two or more EEA countries you can combine state pension contributions paid in each state in order to qualify for a state pension.

TAXATION

The British tax system levies various taxes on all income generated in Britain, and on British residents' income from abroad. Anyone who is physically present in Britain for six months or more in any tax year is regarded as resident for tax purposes, but tax is also payable under certain other circumstances.

Before entering the UK check with your own taxation institute for further advice.

In the UK, you should contact the nearest Inland Revenue Office for information and advice. The address and telephone number of the nearest office will be in a business directory eg The Yellow Pages.

Income Tax

Any income you receive from employment in the UK could mean that you are liable to pay income tax, both in the UK and your own country. This however depends upon certain conditions eg length of time spent abroad, circumstances of employment. In order to avoid this, all EU countries have reciprocal double taxation agreements in place, which means you will not have to pay tax twice on the same income.

Income tax is levied on the following: salary, bonuses, other income earned in the UK (eg profit, rent, interest, dividends, annuities and pensions) use of car, medical/life assurance paid by employer, etc. After allowances, income tax is charged at rates of 10 %, 22% or 40%. Income tax is levied in the UK at three rates:

Value Added Tax (VAT)

This is a tax on expenditure, it is levied at a standard rate of 17.5 %. VAT is not payable on certain goods and services such as rent and children's clothing.

Council tax

This is a local taxation to pay for the public services in your area. It is assessed on the value of your property. The Local Authority administers collection of this tax. Contact your Local Authority for further information. A typical household will pay between £80-120 per month in Council Tax.

National Insurance Contributions

National insurance contributions are deducted from all employees’ wages, providing:

they are over age 16;

they are under state retirement age; and

their earnings are above the Lower Earnings Limit

Lower earnings limit is £79 per week for 2004-2005.

Every employee eligible to pay National Insurance contributions is issued with a National Insurance number (NINO). National Insurance is deducted directly from your salary. The employee contribution rate is 11%. The amount payable is calculated from your gross pay (ie pay before tax).

More information on tax and National Insurance allowances can be found at the Inland Revenue’s website at http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/rates/index.htm

Annex A: GENERAL INFORMATION

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom is a full member of the European Union (EU). It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The population is approximately 60 million. The capital city is London.

Language

The official language of the United Kingdom is English. The ability to speak English is an important requirement for work-seekers. You should consider taking an English language course before applying for work in the UK if you are not able to communicate in English. Welsh is spoken in parts of Wales and some jobs require you to be able to speak Welsh and English.

Currency

The unit of currency is the pound sterling. (£).

Notes: £50, £20, £10, £5, (£1 printed by Scottish banks).

Coins: £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p.

Average exchange rate between January and March 2004: £1 = 7.13PLN.

Time

Local time in the United Kingdom is 1 hour behind Poland (UTC + 01).

International dialling codes

UK to Poland 0048 - followed by the area

code and number.

Poland to the UK 00 44 - followed by the area code

(minus the first “0”) and number.

Emergency Services

The Emergency number is 999 for fire, police and ambulance services. These calls are free from all telephones, including public telephones.

Legal matters

Once in the United Kingdom you will be subject to the laws of the United Kingdom. In the event of any legal problems you should contact the Polish Embassy or consulate in the United Kingdom. These offices cannot offer legal advice but will know where appropriate advice can be obtained.

Useful Addresses

The Euroguidance centre in your country will be able to offer help and information on moving to the UK. You can find the contact details at: www.euroguidance.org.uk

Polish Embassy

Embassy of the republic of Poland

47 Portland Place

London WIB 1JH

UK

Tel: 0870 774 2700

Fax: 020 7291 3575

Email: polishembassy@polishembassy.org.uk

Consulate

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland

73 New Cavendish Street

London W1 6LS

Tel: 0870 774 2800

Email: konsulat@polishconsulate.co.uk

British Embassy
Sections: Consular, Visa, Commercial
Warsaw Corporate Centre
ul. Emilii Plater 28
00-688 Warsaw

phone: (48 22) 311 00 00
fax (48 22) 311 02 50
e-mail:
consular@britishembassy.pl
visa@britishembassy.pl
commercial@britishembassy.pl

Federation of Poles in Great Britain

240 King Street

Hammersmith, London

W6 0RF

Tel: 020 8741 1606

www.zpwb.org.uk

Helplines

National Minimum Wage Helpline

Tel 0845 6000 678

Newly self-employed Helpline

Tel 08459 15 4515

Tax and Benefit Confidential Helpline

Tel 0845 608 6000

Health & Safety Executive infoline

Tel: 08701 545500

Agricultural Wages Board Helplines

England or Wales 0845 000 134

Scotland 0131 244 6392

Northern Ireland 02890 520813 or 02890 524492

Police - If you suspect, or are the victim of, any exploitation or mistreatment by your employer then contact your local police station. The telephone number will be in your local telephone directory.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau – Provides free, confidential and impartial advice. They can help you solve problems including debt, housing, legal matters and employment matters. Citizens’ Advice Bureaus are located in most towns and can be found using the local telephone directory, or alternatively visiting their main website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Inland Revenue – Provides advice on taxation, National Insurance Contributions, National Minimum Wage, tax credits and Child Benefit. Your nearest office address and telephone number can be found in the telephone directory, alternatively visit their website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk or telephone the central office on 0207 667 4001.

Trade Unions

In many jobs there will be a trade union representing people the rights of people who work there. These rights include the right to be paid the national minimum wage. Working time rights(breaks, holidays and holiday pay); Health and safety protection; The right to join a union; protection from unfair discrimination. If you have particular problems, you should contact a trade union, or the TUC’s “Know Your Rights Line” (0870 600 4882). A series of more detailed guides to rights can be ordered via the TUC’s website: www.tuc.org.uk

Learn Direct

An organisation that can provide free advice and guidance on courses in your local area to help you with English language skills. There may be a charge for the courses that are available. Helpline: 0800 100900

Annex B: Checklist

Before you take up employment ensure that:

• You have a full passport;

• You have a copy of the contract or terms and conditions of employment and you understand them fully;

• You know the method and frequency of payment of salary;

• You know what travel arrangements need to be made and whether you or the employer will pay;

• You have arranged accommodation in the area you will be moving to;

• You have the appropriate ‘E’ form for medical expenses cover or have taken out private health insurance and

• You have sufficient funds to last until you are paid, or to return home if necessary.

   

In addition it would be helpful and advisable to:

• Make arrangements with people in Poland who can serve as references for potential employers in the United Kingdom;

• Take out a travel insurance policy that covers luggage, accidents and personal liability;

• Go to your local labour office and find out what rules will apply if you visit the United Kingdom to look for work and

• Become competent in English, or improve the competence you already have.

This leaflet is intended for Polish and other new member state nationals who wish to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

If you are from outside the EU/EEA you will probably require a work permit and rules of residence may be different.

For further details concerning immigration contact:

The Home Office

Immigration and Nationality Enquiries Bureau (INEB)

Home Office

Block C Whitgift Centre

Wellesley Road

Croydon CR9 1AT

Tel: 00 44 (0) 870 606 7766

Recorded Information Line: 00 44 (0) 20 86497878

www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

For further details concerning work permits contact:

Home Office

Worker Registration Team

Moorfoot

Sheffield S1 4PQ

Customer Helpline Tel: 0114 259 4074

Email: wpcustomers@ind.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

Annex C: Comparability of Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

It is possible to obtain a direct comparison between your qualifications in the UK and those recognised in the United Kingdom from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) organisations. NARIC is an international network and is available in each Member State. For advice on the level at which your qualification fits into a Member State’s education system, contact the NARIC office in the Member State you are moving to. For more details visit: For more details visit: www.enic-naric.net

The British NARIC is:

UK NARIC

ECCTIS Ltd

Oriel House

Oriel Road

Cheltenham

Gloucester

GL50 1XP

Tel: 01242 260010

Website: www.naric.org.uk

Email: naric@ecctis.co.uk

NARIC may charge a registration fee.

Vocational Qualifications

The National Reference Point (NRP) network is a network of centres across Europe that can help and advise you about the recognition of your qualifications. The UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications is operated by NARIC and acts as a national agency in a European network of reference points for vocational qualifications in the EEA Member States. The UK Reference Point acts as a signpost to the other Reference Points across Europe for those wanting information about the validity of their UK qualifications in Europe. Further information is available from NARIC.

UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications

ECCTIS Ltd

Oriel House

Oriel Road

Cheltenham

Glos.

GL50 1XP

Tel: 01242 260225

Website: www.uknrp.org.uk/

Professional and Occupational Qualifications

To enable EU nationals to work in other Member States without having to re-qualify for professional or occupational qualifications, the General System for Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications was introduced. The system is operated by means of two European Directives, 89/48/EEC and 92/51/EEC. The directives cover between them all regulated professions and occupations.

To be eligible for assessment under Directive 89/48/EEC you must have successfully completed a post secondary course of at least three years duration, at a university or establishment of higher education. You must also have successfully completed any professional training required to enable you to practise the profession concerned.

Directive 92/51/EEC covers those professions regulated below degree level.

The co-ordinator for the directives is:

Carol Rowlands

Department for Education & Skills

Room 3b

Moorfoot

Sheffield

S1 4PQ

Tel: 0114 259 4151

Fax: 0114 259 4475

Website: www.dfes.gov.uk/europeopen

Certificates of Experience

British craftspeople wishing to exercise their trade in other Member States can apply to have their experience certificated under the UK Certificate of Experience scheme. British nationals who require a Certificate of Experience should contact the Department for Education at the address below for a guidance pack and application form:

Certificate of Experience Office

Department for Education and Skills

QfW2

E3B

Moorfoot

Sheffield

S1 4PQ

Tel: 0114 259 4237

Email: zoe.hulbert@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

Applicants will be charged a non-refundable processing charge of £105.