The GoUK.com Guide to visa and work information in the UK

Language Schools - see The GoUK.com ELT Guide to English Language Schools in the UK

Paid Work Placements

Some schools will arrange Paid Work Placements

Who can work on a Paid Work Placement?

• Paid Work Placements are available for all nationalities although non-EU/EEA students (with a student visa) can only work part-time and on condition that they also study for at least 15 hours per week

Level of English required?

• Students should have at least an Intermediate level of English. The more interesting  jobs with increased customer contact are allocated to students with a higher level of English. It is recommended that students attend a course before and/or during the placement to improve their English

Who can apply for a Paid Work Placement?

• Students from the following EU / EEA countries can work full or part-time in the UK with or without attending an English language course: Austria, Finland, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg , Portugal

• Students from non EU / EEA countries can work without a work permit for a maximum of 20 hours per week on the following conditions:

  • The student must study at a bonafide institution for at least 15 hours per week

  • The student must enter the UK on a student visa

  • The student should study for / have a visa for at least 6 months

What type of placements are available?

• Placements will generally be in unskilled positions in the hospitality and catering industries - In hotels as a waiter/waitress, porter, receptionist, chambermaid

• In supermarkets, shops, cleaning companies, travel agencies, offices, delivery, shipping, packaging companies, garden centres, leisure centres, pubs, etc

• Students will a higher level of English will be able to apply for "more interesting jobs" with a greater level of customer contact

Pay

• Hotel placements sometimes offer free food and accommodation. In this case, students will be paid approximately £70 per week for full-time work and £35 per week for part-time work

• If food and accommodation is not provided, students will be paid at least the UK minimum wage. This is currently £4.45 per hour for students aged 18 – 21 and £5.35 per hour for students aged 22 and over. Many companies pay more than the minimum wage

• This means that students aged over 22 and not receiving food and accommodation, will be paid as follows:

  • Full-time work (EU / EEA students only, 35 – 40 hours per week): students will be paid approximately £130 - £148 per week

  • Part-time work (15- 20 hours per week): students will be paid approximately £74 per week

  • Students will be paid overtime if requested to work extra hours

Social security

• All students will be required to obtain a National Insurance Number from the local Benefits Agency and will be required to pay standard National Insurance of 10% on money earned over £97 per week

Working conditions

• Companies employing overseas students are subject to the same rules and regulations as when they employ British citizens and standard UK working conditions will apply