Jobs in the United Kingdom

Although the unemployment rate stood at over seven percent in the last quarter of 2010, the United Kingdom still provides varied work opportunities for expats who do not need a British work permit. For others, finding a job may not be easy.

Job Opportunities and British Work Visa

There are a variety of job types in the UK, ranging from seasonal, temporary and casual work, to highly skilled professional roles.

If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) state, a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you are entitled to work in the UK without a British work visa. However, for nationals of countries recently granted entry into the EU, additional requirements to register with the UK Borders Agency exist.

All other nationalities may only work in the UK if they are in possession of a United Kingdom work visa. These are granted under a points-based system. Highly skilled professionals may enter the UK to work without firstly securing a job. However, an employer must sponsor skilled workers; unskilled workers are unlikely to be granted a work permit at this time.

For any well-paid, professional position English language skills are a requirement.

For casual, flexible positions it may be less important but the jobs are generally not well paid.

It may not be easy to find a job that meets your requirements so giving yourself all the advantage you can makes sense.

The first step is making sure your CV stands out in a crowd. Tailor it not only to the job you are applying for, but also for the British job market.

It should be typed and a maximum of two pages. Job experience is the most important section and qualifications are certainly relevant but they do not carry as much weight as they do in France and Germany for example. It is normal to provide details of two referees on a British CV.

The national press plays an important role in a UK job search. Broadsheet newspapers run job vacancies by sector on a set day every week. You should also check local newspapers for job openings in your area.

Of course, the internet is an essential tool for job searches and employment agencies are also good places to head for job vacancies, particularly for casual, temporary and short-term positions. Other agencies specialise in professional long-term roles.

Working Hours

The UK is known for its long hours work culture in Europe; a fifth of workers work more than 45 hours per week. However, the average is 37. Under British employment law, workers must have a break of 24 hours in a week or 48 hours in a fortnight.

Holiday Entitlement

Holidays in the United Kingdom are set out in law and full-time workers are entitled to 28 days a year (pro rata for part-time workers). This may or may not include the eight British public holidays at the employer’s discretion.

British Salaries

The salary you can expect to earn in the UK is very much dependent on the industry, your experience, and seniority. As a guide, the median salary in a private company ranges from £26,500 to £28,000.