Working in London
London is a fast-paced international city with a wealth of job opportunities for expats wishing to relocate to the city. However, unless you’re an expat with a British passport or have EU citizenship, a working visa is required to legally hold a job in London. The application process is normally preceded by a job offer, but there are also application categories for highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs and post-graduate students that don’t require a formal offer.If you are looking for work in London, it’s highly recommended to consult a recruitment agency or to read the active recruitment pages in national daily papers such as the Guardian. As with most jobs application procedures, it is essential that you have a good, up-to-date CV and are well-presented and punctual in the case of interviews.
Employment agencies will require you to interview with them first, before they in turn secure you an interview with a suitable employer. London’s job sector is very diverse, but is particularly active in the fields of finance, media, tourism and IT.
The working day typically runs from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with 15-20 days leave per annum. There are also eight national or ‘bank’ holidays each year in the UK, some countries, such as Scotland, have more. The UK practices daylight saving in the winter months from October to March. Expats living in London are advised to find accommodation close to a public transport route as this will help with the commute to and from work.
