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

Work

• Number of hours
  • (1) Students from the EEA
  • (2) Students from non EEA countries
• National Insurance Number
• Tax
• Minimum Wage
• Work Experience Placements

Number of hours

(1) Students from the EEA

Students from the EEA (European Economic Area) countries can work as many hours as they like. The countries of the EEA are:

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The UK.

(2) Students from non EEA countries

Students from non EEA countries can work without a work permit for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and as many hours as they like during vacations as long as they fulfil the following conditions:

1. The student must enter the UK on a student visa
2. The student should have a visa for at least 6 months

2. The student must have at least 15 hours of organised study per week at a bona fide institution
3. The student should be able to prove that he/she can pay for the course
4. The student must leave the UK at the end of the studies

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National Insurance Number

You do not need a National Insurance number while you are looking for work but once you have started working you must obtain a National Insurance Number from any local Benefits Agency office. To apply you will need to fill out a form at the Benefits Agency Office. You need to provide evidence of your identity (e.g. passport) and a letter from your employer confirming employment. A member of staff will then issue with a letter confirming that you have applied for a NI number. It can take up to 16 weeks for the number to be issued but you do not need to have it before you start work.

You will be required to pay standard National Insurance of 10% on money earned over £79 per week.

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Tax

International students who take up part time and vacation employment are subject to the same rules as UK residents. Everyone can earn a certain amount of income in each tax year (6 April to 5 April the following year) before paying tax. If your income is below this figure in any one tax year you will not have to pay tax.

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Minimum Wage

The UK minimum wage is:

Main (adult) rate for workers aged 22 and over

• £5.05 per hour (from 1 October 2005)

• £5.35 per hour (from 1 October 2006)

Development rate for workers aged 18-21 inclusive

• £4.25 per hour (from 1 October 2005)

• £4.45 per hour (from 1 October 2006)

16 and 17 Year Olds

• £3.00 per hour (from 1 October 2004)

• £3.00 per hour (from 1 October 2005)

• £TBA per hour (from 1 October 2006)

NB: The development rate can also apply to workers aged 22 and above during their first 6 months in a new job with a new employer and who are receiving accredited training

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