Planning to Work in the UK? Get the facts on what overseas candidates need to live and work in the UK including finding the right job, applying for a visa, obtaining a work permit, etc. Read on to learn more

Planning to Work in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Working abroad has several advantages. From a competitive salary to the chance to network, one can gain so much. However, the hardest aspect of securing jobs overseas is applying for them through the correct channels and comprehending the details. The UK, which has the sixth-largest economy in the world, is becoming a major business hub. Many thousands of aspirants are drawn to the country because of its steady economic expansion and cosmopolitan atmosphere. For graduates, it is the ideal place to launch their careers.

The UK's job prospect is diverse. Brexit is causing significant changes to the country's laws. Therefore, it is important to understand the crucial factors when preparing to work in the UK.

  The UK Job Market

The ONS stated the UK's unemployment rate was 3.9% in 2020. It is now at its lowest point in forty years. The unemployment rate and economic inactivity both decreased further in 2022. The employment rate was also predicted to be 75.9%, greater than during the previous three months in 2022.

Source: ONS

In the post-pandemic scenario, the total employment rate in the UK has increased since the end of 2020. The South West had a 79.3% employment rate as of May 2022, among the highest-rated regions. On the contrary, the lowest rate was recorded in Northern Ireland at 70.1%.

Source: ONS

The nation's solid work environment inspires international students to apply for jobs in the UK. The nation provides a variety of jobs to foreign applicants. They can select part-time, full-time, and even informal jobs during summer breaks. In the section, we will discuss the most sought-after jobs in the UK for Indians.

  Popular Jobs in the UK for Indians

The UK is indeed a globalized country with a very competitive work market. Hence, several opportunities exist to advance one's career in this nation. But at the same time, there is fierce competition.

The following are some of the largest sectors in the UK in terms of the number of workers:

● Healthcare- Nurse, General Physician

● Hospitality- Chef

● Logistics

● Education- Primary and Secondary teacher

● IT- System Engineer, SEO marketer, Cyber Security Analyst

● Social Care- Counsellor, Social worker

● Retail- Marketing, HR, Store Manager

● Accounting

● Engineering- Electrical. Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Product, and Process

Out of all of them, the nursing jobs in the UK should stand out as having achieved global recognition. International nurses are gaining more possibilities to apply because of the NHS's chronic staffing need, which includes a crisis of roughly 39,652 nurses. The hospitality industry is another one that has serious problems finding qualified employees. Between August 23 and September 5, 2021, 30% of hospitality businesses reported having more trouble filling vacancies than usual, per ONS data. In this regard, in the transport sector, around 15% were found to struggle to fill the vacancies last year. Hence, overseas candidates looking to work in these sectors can get huge opportunities.

  How to Get a Job in the UK?

It is not easy to find job opportunities abroad. However, securing the right job in the UK is not that tough if you go through the right channel. The foremost thing to do to get a job in the UK is to get certified as per the certification rule of the UK. Different job sectors have different requirements. For instance, if you are seeking nursing jobs in the UK, you must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).

After getting the relevant degrees, it's critical to have a strong CV, and appropriate work experience (if any). So, creating a CV that can market your skills is the key to letting potential employers know how you fit the advertised position better.

Next comes selecting the appropriate pathway to apply for your desired employment. Some businesses maintain official websites where they list the most recent job vacancies. However, if you are unfamiliar with the application procedure, you may run into problems. Consequently, a suitable hiring firm can be of aid to you in this situation. At these organizations, special executives work with the candidates to help them land their dream jobs. Additionally, they offer simple assistance with visa applications.

  How Much Can You Earn by Working in the UK?

Because there are so many different jobs and pay scales, it isn't easy to estimate your wage when working in the UK. Jobs in the UK for freshers offer a different compensation package than jobs for experienced candidates. Yet, the National Minimum Wage is the minimum wage that all firms in the UK are required to pay their staff. As a general rule, this has been in effect since April 2022. Here is a list of the National Minimum Wage for your knowledge:

• For workers 23 and over- £9.50 per hour (aka the National Living Wage)

• For workers 21-22- £9.18 per hour

• For workers 18-20- £6.83 per hour

Indians were among the top paid ethnic groups, according to the most recent ONS study on the ethnic pay gap (released in 2020). In fact, it was discovered that Indian workers received higher hourly wages than White British workers.

Here is a list of top-paying job sectors in the UK.

Tips to Find the Right Jobs in the UK 

If some things are taken care of, finding jobs in the UK for foreigners may become simpler. Therefore, if you follow these steps, the entire process of locating the proper jobs in the UK gets smoother:

The Visa Requirement

EU citizens are subject to different visa requirements than non-EU nationals do. Indian nationals need a Tier-2 Work Visa to reside and work in the UK. Skilled workers can apply for this visa if their professions are on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupations List. The Tier-2 occupation list includes jobs in IT, healthcare, teaching, etc. You must, however, have a legitimate employment offer letter from a UK employer to qualify for this visa. With IndieTalent you can be assured of getting an offer letter from a UK employer along with other migration services.

Language Requirement

To immigrate to and work in the UK, you must unquestionably provide evidence of your English language skills. To be eligible to apply for a work visa in the UK, pass the B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. You can prove your proficiency in English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Have the Necessary Qualifications

Visit UK NARIC to find out how credentials from your native nation compare to credentials from the United Kingdom. Details regarding the minimal professional requirements for various jobs in the UK can be found here.

Work Permit

You cannot apply for your work permit as a potential job candidate. However, your employer can act on your behalf. Therefore, the application should be specific about the position's requirements, specialization, and the anticipated length of your stay. These specifics will determine the permit you receive and its duration.

Getting a good job opportunity in the UK is high. Augmented income, great standard of life, good numbers of holidays, etc., are the benefits of working in the UK job market. Your ambition to relocate and work in the UK can be made easier with IndieTalent.  From language training to securing a foreign placement, IndieTalent can support you in every step of the way.

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