Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find suitable accommodation?
There are many options in finding accommodation. You can appoint an estate agent (employee of a rental company) to find suitable accommodation within your price range but you will be charged a fee which is typically the total amount of a week’s rent. Alternatively, you can find your own accommodation through various websites such as www.loot.com; www.gumtree.com; or www.tntgrapevine.com. The landlord normally requests your first and last’s month rent at the time of signing a lease.
The cost of accommodation varies on type and area and can drastically range in price and quality. You can either rent a flat on your own (known as an individual flat), rent a room within a shared house where you will have access to a lounge room, kitchen and bathroom (known as a flat/house share) or rent a room with its on fridge and stovetop but you share a bathroom (known as a bedsit). Bedsits are normally the cheapest option and the prices range between £65 to £150 and upwards per week. Flat sharing is popular amongst young professionals as it is cost-effective and provides an opportunity to meet other people. The price ranges from £80 to £150 and upwards per week. Renting a flat on your own is the most expensive option. Prices vary depending on size, location and number of bedrooms but as an example, a one-bedroom flat would range from £110 upwards. The bills that may or may not be included include gas, electricity, water, council tax and a television license.
2. What are the tax rates within the United Kingdom?
There are two types of taxes within the United Kingdom – National Insurance and Income Tax. When you begin employment, you will initially be issued an emergency National Insurance Number but will be charged at a higher tax rate until you obtain a permanent one. To apply for a National Insurance Number, you have to contact the local Department of Social Security and provide specific documentation including your passport, proof of employment, work permit/visa and proof of home address. You will be charged 11% of your gross earnings that are up to £610 per week and then 1% on any additional earnings. Your National Insurance Number will be unique to you just as your Social Insurance Number in Canada is.
Every resident of the United Kingdom has a personal allowance of £5,035 per year and afterwards the income tax rate varies between 10% to 40%. The starting rate of 10% is applied to annual earnings up to £2,090, the basic rate of 22% applies to annual earnings between £2,090 to £32,4000 and the higher rate of 40% to annual earnings over £32,400. For further information about taxes, please see the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ website at www.hmrc.gov.uk.
When purchasing goods or services, a tax of 17.5% is already incorporated into the display price. This is called the Value Added Tax.
3. How do I access the health care system within the United Kingdom?
Before a work permit or work visa is issued, you will need to obtain medical clearance from your doctor in Canada to confirm that you are fit and able to work.
The National Health Service provides all of the health services to the residents of the United Kingdom. It is advisable to register with a General Practitioner (known as GP) as soon as possible. Due to the large population within the United Kingdom, many practices (also known as clinics or surgeries) have met their patient capacity and do not have any vacancies. To find a local health clinic close to you, visit the NHS Direct website at www.nhs.uk. If you are not registered with a GP, you can attend a walk-in clinic for medical assistance.
Merit Staffing Solutions will provide you with further information about your health care needs within your orientation package.
4. How do I apply for a bank account?
Applying for a bank account in the United Kingdom is much more difficult than in Canada. Merit Staffing Solutions will assist you in obtaining a bank account and you will be provided with a letter confirming your employment. When you apply for an account, you will also need to bring your passport and proof of your address. It is helpful if you have bank statements from your bank in Canada as well as a letter from the bank manager confirming your patronage with their institution.
5. What are the necessary requirements to work as a social worker in the United Kingdom?
When you register with Merit Staffing Solutions, you will be asked to provide a copy of your recognized degree, resume with two work references and one personal reference, a recent police record check, and a recent child abuse registry check. In order to practice as a social worker within the United Kingdom, you will need to register with the General Social Care Council, undertake a Criminal Record Bureau check within the United Kingdom, have medical clearance from your doctor, and obtain the relevant immigration clearance.
6. What are the legal requirements for employment in the United Kingdom?
If you receive employment through Merit Staffing Solutions, a work permit will be obtained on your behalf which will allow you to work within the United Kingdom.
7. What are the personal opportunities available in the United Kingdom?
The experience of living and working in the United Kingdom will be life altering. It can be guaranteed that your life outlook will be influenced by the friendships and working relationships you will share with people from all over the world. You will begin to learn to appreciate the differences that you have with other cultures and your professional development will soar!
There are plenty of activities to participate in, festivals to attend and relaxing to be had in the United Kingdom. From Wimbledon and the Premiership League for the sports lovers; world renowned galleries and museums, concerts and live theatre for the arts enthusiasts; pubs, bars and clubs for the nightlife connoisseurs; or the attractions of the past for the history buffs, there is always something new to experience.
Your annual leave entitlement begins with at least twenty days as well as the public holidays (including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day (which is the first Monday in May), spring and summer bank holidays (which are the last Mondays in May and August), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This time off will enable you to explore the United Kingdom and Europe or to come home to visit with family and friends.
8. What type of weather should I expect throughout the year in the United Kingdom?
The English weather has not been as daunting in the recent years as its gloomy reputation holds. However, it does vary drastically and you can experience four seasons within a day! It is a way of life to carry an umbrella with you as there are no guarantees that it will not rain even if the sky is cloudless and the sun is shining when you wake up.
The summer temperatures are similar to that in Canada however not quite as warm. The winters are milder but there is a fair amount of wind and rain, and if there even minimal snowfall, it can cause a great disturbance in the southern parts of the United Kingdom. According to the BBC’s website, the average temperatures are between 14C and 22C in July and between 2C and 7C in February. However, as across the world, the weather is changing and the summer months have been warmer in the recent years.
9. What are the costs of living?
London is typically more expensive than Canada but there are many options to cater to every budget and wages are relevant to the cost of living. However, it is recommended that you have funds to access when you first arrive for necessary expenses while you wait for your first paycheck.
Accommodation – ranges from £85 to 150 and upwards per person per week
Transportation – depending on the zones and frequency you travel, costs vary between £14 to £40 per week
Groceries – cost varies depending on personal choice but ranges from £20 to 45 pounds per week.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Merit Staffing Solutions who would be pleased to help!
