Q. What is EURES?

A. EURES (European Employment Services) is a co-operation network formed by public employment services.  Trades Union and employer organisations also participate as partners. The objective of the EURES network is to facilitate the free movement of workers within the European Economic Area (EEA), viz., the 27 members of the European Union, plus Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland.

Q. Can I work in Northern Ireland?

A. In order to work in Northern Ireland, you will need a National Insurance Number - which is personal to you and no one else should use this number.  To obtain a National Insurance Number, you must contact one of the following Jobs & Benefits offices and ask for the National Insurance Section:

Portadown                        Telephone: 028 3839 7200
Shaftesbury Square           Telephone: 028 9054 5500
Lisnagelvin                        Telephone: 028 7131 9300

A.  If you are a national, or resident, from one of the following 28 European countries: Austria (Österreich), Belgium (La Belgique), Cyprus (Κύπρος, Kıbrıs), Czech Republic (Čech Republika), Denmark (Danmark), Estonia (Eestlane), Finland (Suomi), France (La France), Germany (Deutschland), Greece (Ελλάδα), Hungary (Magyar), Iceland (Ísland), Ireland (Éire), Italy (Italia), Luxembourg, Lithuania (Lietuva), Latvia (Latvija), Malta, Netherlands (Nederland), Norway (Kongeriket Norge), Portugal, Poland (Polska), Slovak Republic (Slovenská Republika), Slovenia (Slovenija), Spain (España), Sweden, Switzerland (Die Schweiz, La Suisse), United Kingdom - you may work in Northern Ireland without any restrictions. There are, however, transitional arrangements in place for nationals from the A2 countries, viz., Romania (România) and Bulgaria (българия).

Employing a Bulgarian or Romanian National in the UK
From 1st January 2007, as European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, Bulgarians and Romanians will be able to move and reside freely in any EU Member State.  They will not require permission to enter, or remain in residence, legally in the UK.  Bulgarian and Romanian nationals wanting to work in the UK are, however, required to obtain authorisation to work before starting any employment (unless they are exempt from doing so).

Normally, this authorisation will be in the form of an Accession Worker Card (AWC).  For certain categories of employment, the Bulgarian or Romanian national will be able to apply to the Home Office for an Accession Worker Card - without the need for an employer to apply for a work permit. These categories are:

Airport or ground staff of an overseas airline; “Au pair” placements; Domestic workers in a private household; Ministers of religion, missionaries or members of a religious order; Overseas government employment; Postgraduate doctors, dentists and trainee general practitioners; Private servants in a diplomatic household; Representatives of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation; Sole representatives; Teachers or language assistants; Overseas qualified nurses coming for a period of supervised practice.

If the employment does not fall into one of the above categories, the process for obtaining authorisation to work is in two (2) stages:

• The UK employer first applies for approval of the employment under the work permit arrangements.
• You must then apply for an Accession Worker Card (AWC).

Further guidance for employers is available from the employer helpline on 0845 010 6677 or at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ or www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk/.

Translated versions of ‘Living and Working in the UK - Rights and Responsibilities of Nationals from Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January 2007’ can be downloaded from www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/.  For copies of this leaflet, phone: 0870 521 0224.

Q. Do I need a work permit in Northern Ireland?

A.  Nationals from the 28 member states of the European Economic Area (EEA), including Swiss nationals, do not need a work permit.  They can work in Northern Ireland/UK without any restrictions.  Nationals from the A2 countries, Romania (România) and Bulgaria (българия), will require a work permit for certain job categories.

Job seekers from outside the EEA are required to have a work permit before they can take up employment in Northern Ireland.  Normally, it is the responsibility of the employer to apply for a work permit on behalf of an employee.

Q. Do I need to register when I come to Northern Ireland?

A. If you are a national from one of the A8 Countries: Czech Republic (Čech Republika), Estonia (Eestlane), Hungary (Magyar), Latvia (Latvija), Lithuania (Lietuva), Poland (Polska), Slovenia (Slovenija) and Slovak Republic (Slovenská Republika), you must register with the Home Office - under the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) - within one month of starting work in Northern Ireland/UK. Applications for registration are the responsibility of the individual.

You must complete a Workers Registration application - giving your name, address, date of birth, nationality and employment details.  For an application form and further information, telephone 08705 210 2224.  You may download an application form from the Schemes and Programmes link: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk or www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk.

With your first application, you must send a letter from your employer confirming that you are working - along with two (2) passport photos, your passport or ID card and a one-off payment of £90.00 to register.  Please note that the cost of the registration fee for the WRS increases yearly - therefore, you will need to contact the Home Office, just before applying, to ensure that you obtain the correct application form and provide the correct fee, so as to avoid any problems or repercussions.

For Employers:

If you employ a worker from one of the A8 Countries, you must ensure that the individual is provided with either a contract or a letter on company headed paper showing place of work, position held, wage, hours worked and start date - which the individual will need when applying for Workers Registration.  Employers are responsible for ensuring that they are authorised to employ a worker from A8 member states.  They should:

• Take, and retain, a copy of the individual’s completed application form as evidence that they have applied for registration within one month of starting work.
• Retain a copy of their registration certificate.

The Home Office Workers Registration Scheme will send you a copy of the registration certificate, once approved.  WRS does not apply to self-employed workers, however, they must register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as they start work in the UK. For further details, telephone 0845 915 4515 or log on to www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Q. Where do I go to look for a job?

A. You can check the EURES website for jobs throughout Europe at www.eures.europa.eu.  For jobs in Northern Ireland, you search under the United Kingdom, region Northern Ireland.  You can carry out a direct search for vacancies or post your CV (Curriculum Vitae, Resumé) on line. You may also find vacancies in the Northern Ireland public employment service website - www.jobcentreonline.com or you can visit one of the 35 JobCentres/Jobs & Benefits offices located throughout Northern Ireland. Another job searching site is www.nijobs.com.  (For jobs in South Belfast, visit our Jobs in South Belfast page.)

Q. Do I have to pay for the EURES service?

A. EURES is a free service - to both job seekers and employers - subject to the pre-conditions set down by individual EURES/EEA members.

EURES and the Public Employment Services in Northern Ireland are both part of the Department of Employment and Learning - therefore, there is No Cost for our Services.

You can also find details of employment agencies by checking the website www.yell.co.uk or the ‘yellow pages’ telephone directory (look under Employment Agencies). You can find a list of registered employment agencies under www.rec.uk (the Recruitment & Employment Confederation). The press is another important medium - the main recruitment newspapers are the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and News Letter.

Q. What is the language spoken in Northern Ireland?

A. The official language is English and the ability to speak and write English is an important requirement for job seekers.

Q. What is the Currency used in Northern Ireland?

A. The currency is the British Pound (£).

Q. Is it difficult to find somewhere to live in Northern Ireland?

A. Accommodation in certain areas of Northern Ireland can be expensive and difficult to find. It is advisable to arrange accommodation before you arrive in Northern Ireland or, at least, have names and addresses of hostels and estate agents. A list of addresses and telephone numbers can be found in the ‘Yellow Pages’ telephone directory or at www.yell.com.  For information on short term accommodation, visit the Northern Ireland Tourist Board website on: www.ni-tourism.com - or www.hostelnorthernireland.com or www.nihe.gov.uk.

Q. How much money do I need?

A. In addition to your travel costs, you will need enough money to cover food, accommodation and travel expenses - until you receive your first payment from your employer.  You should expect to wait at least one (1) month before your first payment - even if you secure employment immediately.

Q. Can I open a bank account easily?

A. Before a bank permits you to have any kind of account, it needs to be confident that you are who you say you are (it must be certain of your identity) and that you live where you say that you live (it must be able to confirm that your address is correct). The most important thing that you must do, therefore, is to provide the bank with, at least, one (1) current proof of your identity and one (1) current proof of your address.

Q. How does the Healthcare system work?

A. Healthcare is provided through the National Health Service (NHS).  Most NHS care is free - although items such as prescriptions for medicine and dental care treatment must be paid for. EEA nationals may use NHS facilities in the same way as UK citizens - provided that they have the correct ‘E forms’ or an European Health Card.  A reciprocal agreement between member states enables you to get urgent medical treatment free in the UK and, in order to claim this entitlement, you will need to have an European Health Card.

An European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced cost (sometimes free) medical treatment that becomes necessary while you are in an European Economic Area country or Switzerland.  The EHIC replaced the old E111 and, from 1st January 2006, the E111 is no longer valid.

The quickest, and easiest, way to apply for your EHIC is online at www.ehic.org.uk.  Your card will be delivered to you within 7 days.  You can also apply by telephoning 0845 606 2030 or by picking up an application from at a post office.

To apply for the EHIC, you will need: the National Insurance Number, Surname/Family name, Forename and Date of Birth - of each applicant.

An EHIC will last from 3 to 5 years.

Some useful websites for Health and Social care are www.dh.gov.uk/travellers and www.dhsspsni.gov.uk.  See also our Health pages.

Q. Who do I contact in case of an emergency?

A. Dial (telephone) 999 (FREE) and you will be asked if you need Police, Ambulance or the Fire Service.  If you are using your mobile phone from your native country, you dial (telephone) 112 - which is the European Emergency number.  You can also visit a local police station in case of an emergency.  The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) offices have a Language Line and access to translators.

Q. Can I change to a different job?

A. Yes.  Your nearest JobCentre or Jobs & Benefits office can help you to find permanent or temporary work.  If you are a National from one of the A8 countries. however, and you change jobs within 12 months - you will have to re-register with the Home Office, so as to prove continuous working in the UK for 12 months. You will not need to pay again to re-register. If you are National from the A2 countries, Romania (România) and Bulgaria (българия), and you change jobs within 12 months - you will need to re-register with the Home Office to obtain the right to reside as a worker under EU law after 12 months continuous working in the UK.

Q. Who do I contact regarding driving licences?

A. If you wish to make any enquiries, or have any queries about, driving licences - contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency at www.dvla.gov.uk.

Q. How can I expect to be paid?

A. In accordance with UK Government Legislation, you are legally entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage (NMW).  There are three (3) effective rates for each respective age group.  The age groups are:

Age 16-17 years
Age 18-21 years
Age 22 years +

For information on the rates of pay for your age, or if you believe you are not receiving the correct NMW, contact the National Minimum Wage helpline (NI) on telephone number 0845 650 0207 or 0845 600 0678.  Information is also available at www.direct.gov.uk.  The rates of pay levels can only be afftected by the provision of accommodation or accredited training.

Q. Can my employer make deductions from my wages?

A. Employers may only make deductions from your wages for:

Accommodation - The amount the agency can deduct is limited by law. If you are paid no more than the National Minimum Wage, or Agricultural Minimum Wage, your employer cannot deduct more than £29.05 per week - increasing to £30.10 per week from 1st October 2007.  Full guidance can be found on www.dti.gov.uk or contact telephone number 020 7215 5000. This amount is revised from time to time, so please check the website.

If you work in agriculture - you must be paid the agricultural minimum wage, after money has been deducted from wages to pay for transport.

No other deductions may be made without your agreement, in writing, from your contract with the employer.
 

Your employer may ask you to sign a separate agreement asking you to pay more for your accommodation or other items, such as transport.  If you are not given any choice about where you live - or what services you use - such deductions may be illegal.  Before you sign an agreement - ask for advice!

Q. Where can I get Advice?

A. For Legal and Social issues, advice on money, family, daily life, your rights - you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.co.uk.  The advice can be translated and transmitted in 100 different languages with an interpretation service.

in the local Belfast area, you can contact a Citizens Advice Bureau at

211 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 2GW - Telephone 028 9050 3000
6 Callender Street, Belfast, BT1 5BN - Telephone 028 9050 3000
The Arches Centre, Health and Care for East Belfast, 1a Westminster Ave North, Belfast, BT4 1NS - Telephone 028 9022 3747 or 028 9050 3000
8 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7AG - Telephone 028 9050 3000
268 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 2BL - Telephone 028 9050 3000
208 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, BT11 9EB - Telephone 028 9030 1916
The Bradbury Centre, 1-17 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AA - Telephone 028 9032 9133.  An outreach service is available in Donegall Pass - click here for details.

Q. Questions about Europe?

A. Call Europe Direct from anywhere in Europe - Freephone 00800 678 9 10 11.  You can choose 1 of 23 official languages - or you can log on to the Europe Direct website ec.europa.eu/europedirect.

Q. Will I have to pay UK Tax and National Insurance?

A. UK tax will be payable from your wages for UK work.  Your employer will make the necessary arrangements and deduct money from your wages. You will not have to pay UK social security contributions (known as National Insurance) if your contract with a temporary work agency was signed in your country of residence and you pay your social security contributions there.  You will need a ‘form E101’ which will confirm that you pay social security contributions to your country of residence - and will prevent a demand for UK National Insurance contributions.

If you enter into a contract in the UK, either with an agency or a direct employer, you will have to pay National Insurance to the UK. The employer will make the necessary arrangements and deduct the money from your wages. If you are paying tax and National Insurance you will have a National Insurance Number - therefore, it is important to know this number.  If you have any queries regarding Taxation or National Insurance - you can contact Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs: telephone 0845 302 1469 or log on to www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Q. Will I have to work long hours?

A. You cannot be required to work more than 48 hours per week, averaged over 17 weeks (over 26 weeks if you are working on a farm) unless you have agreed, in writing, that you are willing to do so.

Q. Will I get time off for holidays?

A. You are entitled to four (4) working weeks paid holiday per year. So, if you have a contract for one (1) year’s work and you work for five (5) days per week - you are entitled to 20 days paid holiday.  If your contract is for six (6) months and you work for five (5) days per week - you are entitled to 10 days paid holiday.  These days may include public holidays.  Check your holiday entitlement with your employer or on your written contract.

If you work in the agricultural sector - you are entitled to 22 days paid holiday per year (11 days if you are on a 6 month contract) plus public holidays.  If you have not taken all of the holidays that you are entitled to when your contract ends, your employer must pay you for the days that you have not taken.

Q. What if the place I work is dangerous or unhealthy?

A. Your employer and the employment agency are required by law to ensure a good standard of Health and Safety for you - and to give you any training that you need to do your work safely.  If you have any concerns - contact the Health and Safety Executive, telephone: 08701 545500 or log on to www.hseni.gov.uk.

Q. Anything else?

A. Check your contract, and any other documents that you are asked to sign, and make sure that you really understand what you are agreeing to before you sign.  If it is not clear - ask the agency or the employer to explain. Do not sign anything that you do not understand.

Never give your passport to anyone else.  If someone has your passport and will not return it to you - report them to the police, who will help you.

Remember that some work that you will be expected to do may be very hard and tiring, depending on the job. If you do not think that you will be physically up to the job on offer - you should consider another type of work.