New to working in the UK?
This page constitutes a series of links to third-party organisations providing advice and guidance on living and working in the UK. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly.
Blank
Your employment rights
The information below is from the Acas and the UK Government. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
When you work in the UK your employer will:
- Provide you with a written statement of employment particulars that states the terms of your employment no later than your first day of employment.
- Pay you an agreed rate, which normally must be at least the national minimum wage.
- Only make deductions from your pay with your prior knowledge and only where those deductions are lawful.
- Not force you to work excessive hours unless you have given your written consent to opt out of the 48 hour week.
- Allow you reasonable and regular rest breaks during your working day.
- Allow you a number of paid holiday days per year proportionate to your days worked.
- Give you the paid notice you’re entitled to if your employment ends.
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-domestic-worker-visa/your-employment-rights
Who can I contact for support?
Acas provides free and confidential advice to employers, employees and their representatives on employment rights, best practice and policies, and resolving workplace conflict. The helpline has a free translation service for over 100 languages.
Acas helpline
Telephone: 0300 123 1100
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368.
Your safeguarding
The information below is from Anti Slavery UK, The CQC, The Health and Safety Executive, Migrant Help Uk, The Salvation Army, Step2Skills and Unseen. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
Your Immediate Safety:
The UK Emergency services fall into three sections, Police, Fire and Ambulance Services. They will always respond to an emergency situation. If you or someone near to you is in immediate danger then contact 999 immediately. You will be guided on the phone to the best emergency services for your needs.
Safety at Work:
It is the responsibility of an employer to assure that their workers are in a safe environment with safe tools and resources. Any organisation that has five or more employees must have a written Health and Safety Policy which they should readily share with their employees.
It is the responsibility of all workers to follow their employers reasonable instructions, to remain safe whilst working, and to raise concerns where they think they are being asked to do something that is unsafe to them or to others around them. If you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously you can anonymously disclose to your local borough council Environmental Health department.
If you feel any person in your care is being put at risk then you have a duty to report this to the CQC.
Safeguarding against Modern Slavery:
All residents in the UK have a right to be free from exploitation and to expect certain conditions of work and payment from their employer. If you feel that you or somebody you know is being exploited then you can get more information and make a confidential disclosure to one of the organisations listed below:
Resources for Managers:
Housing
The information below is from the Care Workers Charity and the UK Government. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
To rent accomodation in Herfordshire you will need to prove your right to rent in the UK. Only certain documents are accepted as proof of your right and can be checked here before you apply.
Finding affordable housing in Hertfordshire can be challenging and most landlords will expect a rent deposit in advance. The below links are to rental listing sites operating in your area:
Some charities and organisations exist to assist those who need it most to get into care. To see if you are eligible for a new starter grant to cover the costs of relocation or accessing work contact the Care Workers Charity
Further guidance on renting in the UK can be found on the gov.uk website.
Foreign workers wishing to rent will need to provide proof of their right to rent in the UK.
Money
The information below is from the Care Workers Charity and the UK Government. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
Your employer will require you to have a bank account that they can make online salary payments into. In some cases they might allow you to receive those payments to the account of a spouse or family member but it is recommended that you open an account of your own.
You will need some information and proof of identity to open a UK Bank Account.
For help budgeting and working out how to live affordably see the Money Helper Budget Guide.
Some charities and organisations exist to assist those who need it most to get into care. To see if you are eligible for a new starter or crisis grant to cover the costs of accessing or remaining in work contact the Care Workers Charity
Your employer is required to deduct a portion of your salary to pay income tax and national insurance on your behalf.
Your employer is required to enrol you in a workplace pension once you reach 18 years of age. You have the option to decline this, speak to your employer to understand how. For a handy guide to pensions and pension planning see Moneyfacts guide.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The information below is from the Office of National Statistics and the UK Government. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
English is the most commonly spoken language across the UK and most signs and publications will be printed in English. It is important that you have a firm grasp of the language before seeking work in the UK. Courses are available from the following or check your app store for language apps.
Driving in the UK
You can drive in the UK on any valid driving license issued in the UK, EU or EAA indefinitely. If you are unsure whether you can drive on your current license then check here.
If you are driving in the UK using any other drivers license then, in most cases, you have 12 months to register with the DVLA, apply for and attain a UK drivers license. Use the link below to learn about the steps necessary to secure your UK Drivers License.
A Step By Step Guide to Getting your UK Drivers License
The East of England Local Government Association have created a series of webinars and self taught modules to support international workers to adapt to driving in the UK. These free resources can be accessed here
The East of England Local Government Association have also provided free driver assessments and lessons in driving here
British Culture
The information below is from the Expat arrivals, Step2Skills and the UK Government. These third-party organisations are outside of HCPAs control and opinions stated may be contrary to those of HCPA. If you have any concerns about the content of any of these sites or require further information, please contact the third-party directly
When we celebrate UK Culture we recognise all the wonderful and various ways that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unique and interesting as a United Kingdom. You might also hear British Culture mentioned which refers to the culture of peoples from mainland England, Scotland and Wales or sometimes more specifically English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh culture.
Some common British cultural traits include:
- Driving is always on the left side of the road.
- The favourite national dish is curry.
- English is currently the official language of the UK with roughly 95% of the population speaking as monolingual.
- British spelling is different to American spelling.
- Tea is the most common drink.
- There are over 50 accents which change noticeable every 25 miles.
- Queuing etiquette is based on the principle of waiting your turn. It is considered rude to jump the line or push in.
- Politeness and good manners are common. Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are two important things to always remember.
- Shaking hands is the most common form of greeting.
Sexual Health
Contraception and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment
Contraception (including emergency contraception) and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) is free and confidential. In Hertfordshire services and support are available from:
- A GP
- sexual health clinics
- on-line from SH:24
- local pharmacy
For more information on local sexual health and contraception services in Hertfordshire, including HIV support and sexual assault referral centres visit: