For the official guide to living and working in the UK from the UK government then click here

 

London is the seat of government, although some powers have been devolved to national assemblies in Scotland (Scottish Parliament), Wales (Welsh Assembly) and Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Assembly).

 

 

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. The government rules in the name of the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The UK does not have a written constitution; instead it is formed partly by statute, partly by common law and partly by convention. The Department for Constitutional Affairs oversees the administration of justice in England and Wales. The legal systems in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different, meaning that there are three separate legal systems in the UK.

 

Accommodation

We can give you advice or point you towards good estate agents so that you can find appropriate property in your destination area. There is a lot of good quality accommodation available with for sale, to let or to share.  Seasonal and holiday-maker workers may prefer hostels, shared apartments, or guest accommodation.

 

The National Association of Estate Agents can provide details of registered estate agents throughout the UK and has an online properties database.

 

Careers

There are fantastic opportunities to establish and pursue a career in just about every business or professional sector. Emphasis is on ensuring adaptability and continuous development.

 

Personal Finance

 

The highest rate of personal income tax in the UK is 40 per cent, the lowest is 10 per cent.  Banks provide many different services and financial products for individuals, while other organisations are keen to offer their own brand of credit card. The market for financial advice is well regulated.

 

 

Health - Doctors

 

You will need to register with a GP (General Practitioner) once you have decided where you will be living. You will only be able to register with GP's who are within your catchment area. To find out who they are, you can contact the local council for a list of names then phone the doctor's surgery and explain you would like to register. They will check you live within their catchment area. When you go for your appointment take along some proof of your address (an electricity bill or bank statement). You will be treated free of charge, but prescriptions cost £6.85 each as at February 2008.

Hospital emergency treatment is also free on the National Health Service. In case of emergency, go to Casualty or Accident and Emergency (A & E) department.

 

Health - Dentists

 

Dentists do not provide free treatment, so you will have to pay for dental treatment. You can simply call in to most dentists to register and make an appointment. Ask if they are taking NHS patients, as some don't. You are better off being accepted as an NHS patient as treatment will be cheaper.

 

Travel - Central London Tube

 

The Tube is the underground train system in London. A tube map can be easily picked up at all stations in London. Travel this way is the cheapest and most effective way of getting around London.

 

Travel - Buses

 

Buses provide a comprehensive and relatively cheap service, although are not as fast as tube or train.

 

Travel - Trains

 

England, Scotland and Wales are all connected by an extensive network of train routes. Trains are more expensive than travelling by coach, but usually much quicker.

For timetables and the cost of tickets call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7 484 950. Or visit their website www.nationalrail.co.uk

For travel to Europe and beyond, call Eurostar on 0870 5 186 186 (enquiries), or 0845 7 30 30 30 (reservations) or visit www.eurostar.com

 

Travel - Coaches

 

Travelling by coach is often the cheapest option, although journey times can be long. Coaches serve most towns and cities in the UK, and you can also travel to mainland Europe.

The main coach operator is National Express (0870 5 808 080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com).

 

 

Travel - Driving and hiring a car

 

The validity of your licence depends on which country it was issued in. Please check with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (0870 240 0009 or visit www.dvla.gov.uk)

Remember, if you plan to drive you must also have insurance and your car must have road tax and, if it is over 3 years old, an MOT.

You can also hire cars, but companies differ in their requirements, so always check that your licence is valid and you have insurance.

There are many car hire companies to choose from. Two of the best known are Avis: 0870 5 900 500 or Hertz: 020 8679 1799

 

Travel - Ferries

 

Ferries provide a relatively economical way to travel from the United Kingdom to the rest of Europe. Well-known ferry operators include:
P&O: 0870 5 980 9803 and Hoverspeed: 01304 240 101

 

Travel - Flying

 

Flying between UK cities is relatively unusual and quite expensive. Flying to European cities is often cheaper because there are several low cost airlines such as www.easyjet.com

 

To find out more about our services why not contact us for more details?