united kingdom

Contractor Registration Pack

Robert Walters has partnered with a number of organisations that help contractors to live and work in London and the rest of the UK. Candidates that are registered (see below) with us can now take advantage of:

A free Barclays Bank Account
Ł100 cashback and professional assistance finding accommodation with Foxtons real estate agency
The highest take-home pay - we have partnered with the umbrella company provider, Giant
Secure automated money transfers with SAT worldwide
Discounted gym membership with Fitness First

Click here to read more about the outstanding benefits offered exclusively to Robert Walters contract candidates through our Contractor Registration Pack.

transport

You will inevitably fly into London even if you intend to work elsewhere within the UK. Getting to London from most countries is relatively easy as it's served by all the world's major airlines. London has five international airports (City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted), which provide services to all major domestic and international destinations.

London has a comprehensive public transport system of suburban trains, underground (tube), buses and river ferries. Getting around London is fast and convenient, although travelling by car or bus can be slow due to traffic. Many commuters also travel around London by bicycle which is a great way to get to know and enjoy the city.

Due to the vast and varied forms of public transport, it isn't essential to own a car in central London - parking is extremely expensive and congestion charging applies to certain locations within the city. It is also almost always faster to get around by public transport.

Taxis - London is famous for its black taxis. They all have a yellow 'for hire' sign on the top and a white license plate on the back. Taxis are quite expensive and fares vary according to the day and time but you can be sure you won't be cheated by a London taxi driver.

For more information on London transport, fares, maps and routes, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl

accommodation

There's a vast amount of accommodation to rent and buy in London and across the UK in every price range and area. Before choosing where to live, it's advisable to check the present and planned public transport services, especially if you're commuting to a job from the suburbs.

Robert Walters has partnered with Foxtons real estate agency who not only have the most comprehensive office network, but now exclusively offer Robert Walters candidates Ł100 cashback. Click here to find out more.

You can find information on the following sites on properties in London and around the UK - whether you want to rent with a friend, you want to flat share or buy:

Useful websites

Useful newspapers

London Metro
Evening Standard
London Loot

All real estate agencies also produce rental lists. A helpful list of London estate agents can be viewed at: www.uk250.co.uk/LondonEstateAgents. Always choose an agent which is a member of a professional organisation, such as the National Association of Estate Agents (www.maea.co.uk)

Doctors and health

In general, private treatment is extremely expensive so get registered with the National Health Services (NHS) as soon as you have found somewhere to live. It's important to use a practice close to your flat/house to ensure you can get there quickly.

To register, call NHS Direct for a list of GPs in your area or use the NHS drop-in centres which are dotted around the city
Dentists can also be NHS registered, but you will need to pay 75% of the cost of your treatment as only the basics are covered
Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 4647 for more information

Opening a bank account

arriving in the UK and need a bank account?

If your looking to live and work in the UK, the biggest challenges you will encounter will be finding suitable employment and opening a bank account.

If you are looking to live and work in the UK, the biggest challenges you will encounter will be finding suitable employment and opening a bank account. Here at Robert Walters we understand your needs and are delighted to be able to help. When you come into Robert Walters to meet your consultants and discuss your career options, you will also be able to meet with a personal banker from Barclays Bank plc and be able to open a full service UK bank account free of charge.

What do I need to open a bank account with Barclays at Robert Walters? Together, we've made the process of opening a bank account much easier. All you will need is:

your passport
a letter from Robert Walters to confirm your registration

Click here to find how easy it is to open a bank account with Barclays at the Robert Walters office.

The major banks with branches throughout the UK (called 'high street' banks) include Abbey, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HSBC and Natwest

There are also telephone banks (including www.firstdirect.com) that don't have branches and are 'open' 24 hours. Most banks have websites and offer online banking. You can also try online banks such as www.egg.com and www.smile.co.uk.

Your salary will usually be paid directly into your bank account by your employer and your regular salary statement will be sent to your home address.

Maestro cards - Can be used at ATMs and as debit cards in shops (chip and pin)

Credit cards - if your UK credit history is good or your home bank is affiliated you may be able to obtain a credit card for use in the UK

Mobile phones

Ensure that you obtain a UK mobile number as soon as you arrive in The UK - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
The main mobile phone providers in The UK are Vodafone, Orange, O2, T-mobile, Virgin

Tax

Everyone working in the UK must pay taxes. Rates range from 10% to 40% depending on your salary level. Please refer to your employer/Robert Walters consultant for further information.

Insurance

National Insurance

You will need a National Insurance (NI) number to work in the UK. NI pays for pensions and health services, and numbers are issued through the Department of Social Security (DSS). In order to register call 0845 6000 643 or text 0845 6000 644 to arrange an appointment. You will need to take your passport, a letter confirming you are employed or registered with an agency and other forms of ID. For more information, visit www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Useful telephone numbers

Directory Assistance

International Directory Assistance
Emergency Services

188 500 or
www.bt.com/directory-enquiries
118 505
999

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