My children will be joining me, what should I know about education?
Schooling is compulsory in the UK and there are many options ranging from state schools and independent schools to home schooling. State schools do not charge parents to send their children to attend, whereas independent schools usually charge fees that vary according to the school in question.
In most areas, children aged 5-10 attend primary schools and move on to secondary schools at age 11, where they continue their education up to age 16 or beyond.
Primary Compulsory SATs Ages 5-11
Secondary Compulsory GCSEs Ages 11-16
6th Form / College Non-compulsory A, AS levels & BTECS Ages 16-18
University Non-compulsory higher education Ages 18+
You will find much more information on UK schooling on www.parentcentre.gov.uk including advice on choosing the right school for your
child, admissions and applications, subjects taught, school life, types of schools as well as your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
How do I open up a bank account in the UK
You will require a bank account in order for your salary to paid into directly. If you work through a recruitment agent they may be able to assist you with the process. You will be required to go into the bank in order to open an account.
· You must provide the bank with at least one current proof of your identity and
one current proof of your UK address.
· As you are new to the country you will not have access to documents that people
in the UK have (UK bills, UK driving licence, etc.) but there are other documents
banks may accept for the purpose of confirming identity and address:
· Passport
Or if you are from a country in the European Union or European Economic Area:
· National identity card
· Residence permit issued to the Home Office to EU nationals.
· National driving licence.
· If you have two bank accounts with two different banks in your country, it
may be enough for you to have two statements from both the banks.
· Proving your address in the UK may be more difficult but the following documents
may be acceptable:
· Tenancy agreement
· A letter from the employer in the UK confirming your address (and if you
already have payslips from that employer that may help too)
· The bank may also want to see proof of your previous or permanent
address in the country that you come from. Your national identity card or
drivers licence may be acceptable for this purpose. The bank may ask for
a reference about you from a bank or financial institution if you have an
account in the country that you come from. This will have to be on original
headed paper, or with a bank stamp.
Each bank may have a different process so could vary from bank to bank. Most banks will provide you with a cheque book & cheque guarantee card, and in most cases banks usually process cheques within 4 working days. Many banks will also provide you with a debit/cash card, which can be used to obtain cash from cash point machines or can be used electronically in stores. More recent
bank and credit cards are being issued with chip and pin technology, which require the cardholder to enter a pin number when making a transaction.
The main Banks in the UK are Barclays Bank, Lloyds TSB, HSBC
In the last few years hospital accomodation has been far and between. Most hospitals do not offer accomodation for the staff, and if they do it may only be single accomodation. Our advise is always to see if you have a friend who you can stay with once you arrived, if you have a family we would suggest you come by yourself for the first few weeks to find suitable accomodation that will accomodate you child schooling and travelling to work.
You may be asked for a reference from your employer, a reference from a previous landlord or you bank account details (please see the next blog on bank accounts). Be careful of agents who ask for an upfront deposit to find you accomodation you may not see it again and still not have accomodation.
You will be required to pay a deposit for accomodation and this is normally one month in advance plus an additional month, you should try and safe this money prior to your arrival. You may also be asked to sign a lease for no less than a certain amount of time, this could be 6, 8 or 12 months. Do read your contract very thoroughly. Please visit http://www.arla.co.uk/ where you will find registered letting agents for piece of mind.
Passport check! Visa check! Luggage check! So you’ve arrived in one of the bussiest airport in the World.
Larger cities have trams or an underground system so travelling around it quite easy. There are normally train lines directly from the airports to the centre of the cities. You will find in most major cities that most people make us of the public transport. You can purchase different types of travel card ranging from single trips, day trips, weekly or monthly trips. Please be aware that in most cases you will have to purchase your ticket prior to boarding a train or bus. So make sure you have a bit of cash (and a bit of coins) prior to your arrival. For travelling in London do have a look at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ prior to your arrival this will give you an idea of how the underground and busses work. If you were to travel Nationally do have a look at the National Rail website http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ where you can plan your trip prior to arrival.
If you feel a bit flash you can always make use of the taxi’s. We would always advise you to use the Black Cabs which could be found in all major cities.
Depending on where you live you may require a car. This is normally in the more rural areas where public transport is not as frequent especially if you have an early shift. In the UK cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. You would also be advised to have an International License prior to your arrival. Running a car is quite expensive. You must pay for insurance, road tax and have
a MOT (Ministry of Transport test) done on a yearly basis. Petrol is expensive it is heavily taxed.
Please visit http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk for further information on car use.
There are airport close to most of the major cities in the UK with 5 airports close to London, Heathrow, Luton Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport and City. There are also airports in Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow.
Do I need a visa to work in the UK?
To work in the UK you may required to have a visa. Our advise would be that you visit the website of the Home Office Border of Immigration http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ here you will find the most up to date information with regards to visa’s under the “Do I need a visa?” section.
If you choose to work through an Immigration agent we would suggest you visit the Office of Immigration Services Commision (OISC), they have a section on the website that will give you a list of all the OISC approved advisors, and you can feel confident that you have chosen the correct advisor http://www.oisc.gov.uk/people_seeking_immigration_advice/list_of_immigration_advisers/
A few points to keep in mind:
Ensure that you have an up to date passport
Validate or Certify all of your importent documentation
And be patient this can be a long or short process, thousands of people apply yearly to visit or work in the UK.
Working in the United Kingdom
Congratulations you have had your interview you have been offered a job, and you are on you way to work in the United Kingdom. This is a series of blogs to guide you through the process to live in the UK.
Do I need a visa to work in the UK?
How to I travel around in the UK?
How do I find accomodation in the UK?
How do I open a bank account in the UK?
My family will be joining me, what should I know about schooling?
What do I do if I want to visit a doctor in the UK?
How much does things cost in the UK?
Importent and useful contact details in the UK?
The UK has a rich culture, beautiful scenery and a wonderful history. There is something exciting to see in every corner of the UK. In the Southwest we have the beautiful shoreline with an ancient history. The capital London is one of the most exciting cities to live in the world. The North of England is known for their friendliness and stunning country side.
Scotland has a feel of true British wilderness with beautiful snow capped mountains and the historic city of Edinburg with it amazing architecture. And to keep you warm the best whiskey in the world.
To the west is Wales with its rolling hilltops and beautiful scenery. And just across the water we have Northern Ireland known to have the friendliest nation of all.
All very exciting so why not make your move over here as pleasant as possible.
Let me know your thoughts on this blog I would love to know, let me know if you have any other questions?
How much are Nurse paid the United Kingdom?
Nursing salaries in the UK are based on the national pay scale and the Nurse Grading. In the UK a Nurse will be graded as follows:
D – Grade for a newly qualified Nurse
E – Grade for nurses with a few years experience
F and G – Grade nurses would normally carry out more leading or supervisory roles, which could include ward sisters or charge nurses
Below is an overview of the pay scales annualy and in pound sterling
D – Grade Nurses £17,060 to £18,830
E – Grade Nurses £18,230 to £22,015
F – Grade Nurses £20,220 to £25,250
G – Grade Nurses £23,860 to £28,070
H – Grade Nurses £26,650 to £31,960
When working in London and surrounding areas Nurse are eligible for London allowances. For the Inner London area this is £3,333 per year. For the Outer London area this is £2,604 per year.
Inner London is the London Boroughs which are on the interior part of Greater London. Outer London is the name for the group of London Boroughs that form a ring around Inner London. Inner and Outer London would be the area inside of the M25 road that surrounds London.
Should I work for the NHS or Private Sector?
NHS
· a standard working week of 37.5 hours
· 27 days per year, plus eight general and public holidays, rising to 33 days after ten years’ service
· new pay enhancements to reward out of hours, shift and overtime working
· career and pay progression based on the application of knowledge and skills
· annual performance and development reviews
· NHS Pension Scheme most comprehensive in the UK, with automatic membership on for new employees
Private
Some Private Hospitals may offer the following benefits to their employees
· training and education – access to a number of learning opportunities and courses, internally and externally
· health insurance – own health insurance may be offered which may be extended to immediate family
· health screening – some of the best health surveillance and screenings could be accessed through the Private Sector
· meals and parking – parking and meals may be offered to employees of the private sector
There are many similarities between the NHS and Private sector both offering fantastic opportunities for their employees
I am an overseas Doctor wanting to work in the United Kingdom what should I do?
To work in the United Kingdom you must hold a valid license to practice Medecine. And you must hold a valid up to date GMC Registration (General Medical Council).
What does an overseas Doctors mean:
- You are a national who has graduated outside of the United Kingdom , Europe or Switzerland
- You could also be a UK National who has qualified outside of one of the above countries
In the UK there are different types of registration for Doctors:
Provisional Registration – Provisional registration (alongside a license to practice) allows newly qualified doctors to undertake general clinical training required for full registration. This allows doctors to work only in Foundation Year 1 posts.
Full Registration – Full registration enables doctors to work in any form of professional medical practice in the UK, provided they hold a license to practice. Doctors must, however, also hold specialist registration to take up a consultant post (other than a locum consultant post) in the NHS.
Specialist registration – All consultants (other than a locum consultant appointment) must be on the specialist register of the GMC and all consultants (including locums) must hold a license to practice before they can take up a post. It is not possible to hold specialist registration without also holding full registration. You may be required to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) if you did not complete a PMETB approved training programme )
GP Registration – Since 1 April 2006, all doctors working in general practice in the NHS in the UK, other than doctors in training such as GP Registrars, are required to be on the GP Register. This requirement extends to locums. If you have not completed the UK GP Certificate of Completion of Training programme you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CEGPR), which will then enable you to be entered on the GP Register. You may be required to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) if you did not complete a PMETB approved training programme )
Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB)
The GMC uses the PLAB test to ensure that international doctors have the basic medical competence and communication skills to practice in the UK. Doctors wishing to take the PLAB test must have already successfully completed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The first part of the PLAB test can be taken at a number of test centers overseas, but the second part must be taken in the UK.
Further details about the PLAB test, including dates, test centers and costs, can be obtained from the General Medical Council.
Information on PLAB can be found on: www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/plab/index.asp
Things you need to know:
- Only original paperwork will be accepted
- To complete your registration with the GMC you need to visit the GMC office in the UK
- A photograph will be taken by the GMC which will be available to any employers on request
- Non-EEA applicants applying for registration must satisfy the GMC that they have the necessary knowledge of English. The academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 7.0 will need to be completed. Please visit http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
- Please visit the GMC website for further information: http://www.gmc-uk.org/
1) Always be on time?
- look at your route a day before your interview
- try to be slightly early and wait in a coffee shop
- dress smartly
- looked well groomed
2) Be prepared
- have a few copies of your CV to hand
- make sure you know your work history by heart
- ensure there are no gaps on your CV
- look at the employer’s website
3) As questions
- write down your questions for the employer
- find out what they are looking for in their ideal candidate
- it is fine to ask about the salary and package
- talk about your achievements
Be enthusiastic an interested in the role. Remeber first impressions last, you only get one chance!
Copyright Medic Hunter ©2009
The following tips will help you when you compile your CV. There is no correct way to write a CV but a few general rules will help.
Our advice is:
- that your CV should be targeted on the specific job or career area for which you are applying and brings out the relevant skills you have to offer
- your CV should be logically ordered, easy to read and not cramped (please see below for further guidance)
- your CV should be informative but concise
- the information should be accurate in content, spelling and grammar
Start as follows:
- Personal Details
This would be your name, address, telephone number and email. - Employment History
Short overview at the beginning of your CV, a quick glance at your career over the past 5 years, date, positions, employer and location - Education
Full details of your Education, where you undertook your studies and when this was completed - Employment History
Start off with your most current employment; this should include the dates from when until when you have been working for your current employer. The Full Name and Location of your current employer. Also a clear overview of your duties in your current role. This should include any procedures and tasks in your role. Follow this up with an overview of your previous employment, dates of employment, full name, location and an overview of your duties. It is advisable to cover the last 5 years of employment in full. - Training courses
Details of courses attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration - Conferences attended
Details of conferences attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration (IF RELEVANT) - Publications
This is only for those employees to whom it may be relevant. Details of Publications published including their scope and duration - Achievements
Short overview of achievements relevant to your current occupation. Keep this short and to the point. - Referees
Referee name, surname, contact number, position and email address (only work email addresses not personal addresses) It is preferred in the United Kingdom to expand on your work experience.
Short CV’s are not as successful as a CV with a good overview of experience and duties.
Copyright Medic Hunter ©2009
To work in the UK all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses must register with the NMC, and renew their registration every three years.
If you are a nurse Trained Overseas you would be required to sit an IELTS (International English Language Testint) examinations, you would need to have an overall score of Band 7 to be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK. Once you have passed this exam you can apply for your application pack from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (http://www.nmc-uk.org/aSection.aspx?SectionID=6).
Depending on your Degree and Qualifications you may be required to complete the Overseas Nurses Programme. This is a 20 day programme that can be done through several Universities in the United Kingdom.
Copyright Medic Hunter ©2009
The following is a guide to help you when you compile your CV. There is no correct way to write a CV but a few general rules will help.
Our advice is:
- that your CV should be targeted on the specific job or career area for which you are applying and brings out the relevant skills you have to offer
- your CV should be logically ordered, easy to read and not cramped (please see below for further guidance)
- your CV should be informative but concise
- the information should be accurate in content, spelling and grammar
Start as follows:
- Personal Details
This would be your name, address, telephone number and email. - Employment History
Short overview at the beginning of your CV, a quick glance at your career over the past 5 years, date, positions, employer and location. - Education
Full details of your Education, where you undertook your studies and when this was completed. - Employment History
Start off with your most current employment; this should include the dates from when until when you have been working for your current employer. The Full Name and Location of your current employer. Also a clear overview of your duties in your current role. This should include any procedures and tasks in your role. Follow this up with an overview of your previous employment, dates of employment, full name, location and an overview of your duties. It is advisable to cover the last 5 years of employment in full. - Training courses
Details of courses attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration - Conferences attended
Details of conferences attended over the last 5 years including their scope and duration (IF RELEVANT). - Publications
This is only for those employees to whom it may be relevant. Details of Publications published including their scope and duration. - Achievements
Short overview of achievements relevant to your current occupation. Keep this short and to the point. - Referees
Referee name, surname, contact number, position and email address (only work email addresses not personal addresses) It is preferred in the United Kingdom to expand on your work experience.
Short CV’s are not as successful as a CV with a good overview of experience and duties.
Copyright Medic Hunter ©2009
Just a quick reminder that there are only 7 days left before voting closes for the Medichunter Awards.
Get you votes in http://www.medichunter.co.uk/awards2009/vote.htm
Good luck!
Viviane
Welcome to the Medic Hunter Blog. I hope it proves useful to you all.
Thanks Viviane
