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Can I try out a job if I claim benefits due to incapacity for work?
If you come off Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit to start work, but then have to stop work within 8 weeks because of illness or disability, you will go back onto Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit at the same rate and on the same terms as before. This may give you some reassurance if you are not sure about trying out a job.
What are Tax Credits
This is a payment made to you if you are a low income worker. If you take a job where you usually work at least 30 hours a week, you can qualify for Working Tax Credit so long as you are aged 25 or over. If you take a job where you usually work between 16 and 29 hours a week, you will only qualify for Working Tax Credit if, for example, you have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in the jobs market or if you are aged 50 or over and have been claiming benefit continuously for six months. The amount of Working Tax Credit that you can get depends on your circumstances. For tax year 2009-10 you can get up to: £1890 as a ‘basic element’; up to £775 if you work 30 hours or more a week; up to £2530 if you have a disability; and up to £1935 if you are aged 50 or over. The amount of Working Tax Credit that you actually get depends on your income. Payments are made directly into your bank account with your wages. You claim Working Tax credit by post. You can order a claim pack over the phone by calling 0845 300 3900
What should I put in a CV?
Click here for help on what to include
Are Jobcentre Jobs on the Internet?
You can go to Jobcentreplus.gov.uk on the internet and search for jobs there. You can start your search by clicking here. You then follow through a number of questions to find the right jobs for you. The job details will tell you how to apply.
Can I register with more than one Employment Agency?
Yes.
What do I need to Register with an Employment Agency?
British nationals will need to produce a birth certificate or a current passport. People from overseas will need to produce a passport or other proof of identity. They will also need to prove their right to work. National Insurance Number Contact details of a recent employer to obtain a reference. P45 A Schedule D tax reference number if you are to work as self-employed. Bank details.
Who am I working for if I get a Job through an Employment Agency?
If you get work through an employment agency, you will be one of the following: An employee of the organization you are placed with. In this case you will be paid directly by the employer who will deduct your tax and national insurance under the PAYE scheme. The agency will probably have received a one-off introduction fee in this case. An employee of the employment agency. In this case the employer will pay the employment agency on an ongoing basis and the agency will pay you, after deducting tax and national insurance under PAYE. Self-employed. In this case, your ongoing relationship may be with either the agency or with the organization using your services. In the first case the agency will pay you and in the second case the organization using your services will pay you. In both cases you will be paid without tax or national insurance being deducted because you are self-employed.
What do I do if I have no Contact Address?
If you are on the street, perhaps you can use a friend’s address for post. If this is not possible, the main homeless daycentres in London will usually allow you to use their address.
Do Employers have to know that I am Homeless?
If you are using a friend’s address or a daycentre address, then if possible don’t put ‘care of’ or ‘c/o’ or the potential employer will probably guess you are homeless. If you are using a daycentre address or hostel address for post, you might also leave out the name of the daycentre or hostel and just put the street name, number and postcode. You might also use these tips when writing your address on CVs, application forms and letters.
Should I include my age on my CV?
It might be best not to include your age or date of birth on a CV, to avoid any discrimination at the selection for interview stage. This might not be the case, however, if the job is clearly one where greater maturity will be an asset.
Do I need a Bank Account to get work
The answer is usually ‘yes’ — most employers will want to pay wages straight into a bank account or give you a cheque in your name. Very few jobs now pay ‘cash in hand’. Some employers and agencies might pay you by cheque which can be cashed at their own bank (so long as you have proof of identity).
Can I use my Post Office account for wages?
You may well receive benefits through a post office card account. This will not help you when looking for work because this account can only accept payments from the government such as benefits and tax credits. It cannot accept payments from employers or from yourself.
How do I open a Bank Account?
Most banks offer some form of basic bank account. It is usually an account where you can pay money in, get cash out by using a card in a cash machine, and pay bills directly. The account will not usually allow you to overdraw by more than £10 and you don’t get a chequebook. You don’t usually need any money to open one of these accounts. You need to have proof of identity to open an account. If you don’t have a passport, driving licence or birth certificate the easiest option will be to get a copy of your birth certificate through a homeless daycentre. If this is not possible (for example, if you were not born in the UK or Ireland) some other proof of identity might be acceptable — such as a letter from the DWP confirming your right to benefit. Credit checks may be carried out by the bank but even if you have previous debts you may still be successful in opening an account. The big problem for homeless people is that banks also require some written proof of where you are living (they usually expect to see bills with your address on). If you are living in a hostel, a copy of your tenancy agreement or a letter from the hostel should be enough. If you are on the street, see below. It will always improve your chances of success if you can get a helper to go along with you to the bank. This might, for example, be a keyworker from your hostel. If you are living on the street If you are on the street you will not be able to open an account without some sort of help, most likely from a homeless charity. They will sometimes have special arrangements with certain banks. Ask at any homeless daycentre that you are using.
Can someone work out if I would be better off in a job than on benefits?
It is a good idea to get a ‘better-off’ calculation before taking a job. Supply an advisor with your expected level of earnings and other details of your income and outgoings. They will then work out how much benefit or tax credit you might get whilst in your job. You can then compare your income in work and out of work. Ask an employment support worker, benefits worker or a local advice agency.
Can I get help with work clothes for an interview or a job?
If you are a woman you could try the charity ‘Dress for Success’. If you are a man your only option might be to try for a budgeting loan
This is quite a complicated area. For advice click here
What is CIS in the Construction Industry?
This scheme affects how much tax is deducted from your earnings as a self-employed contractor. It applies if you work in the construction industry and do any work on a self-employed basis for another contractor. In this situation you will be called a subcontractor and have to pay your own tax. It does not apply if you are an employee where your tax is deducted automatically under the PAYE system. Whether you are a self-employed subcontractor or an employee depends on the general law and may differ from contract to contract.
What is ‘new CIS’?
A new CIS scheme has come in since 6th April 2007. The new scheme does not use registration cards. If you were registered as a subcontractor under CIS before 6th April 2007 and either had a permanent CIS card, or a temporary CIS card which had not expired by that date, then you do not need to register for the new CIS. If you are a new subcontractor or had an old CIS card which had expired by 6th April 2007, then you will need to register for the new CIS scheme.
Can I get paid gross (without tax being deducted) under CIS?
To be paid gross by contractors you work for, you need to apply on Form CIS302 You will need to pass the tests that show you are running a proper business. For example, that you have been regularly sending in tax returns.
What is CSCS in the Construction Industry?
The scheme aims to register all people working in the construction industry in the UK. You need a registration card. This is the size of a credit card and lasts for 3 or 5 years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get work on larger building sites without a CSCS card. There are two aspects to the scheme — skills and health and safety. For general information on the scheme go to cscs.uk.com
How do I book the Health and Safety Test for CSCS?
Telephone 0870 600 4020 Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. You normally need to pay by debit or credit card when you phone. If you cannot pay by card, you may be able to get a support worker to help you through a homeless organization. They may be able to arrange payment by cheque.
How much is the Health and Safety Test for CSCS?
£17.50
The Test Question Book contains all the questions and answers you could face in the test. It costs £8.49 and is available in different languages such as Polish and Portuguese. The Test Queston CD-Rom contains all the questions you could face plus tests for you to practice. It costs £10.99 and is available in different languages such as Polish and Portuguese. Some Jobcentres may run courses to prepare you for the health and safety test. Enquire at your local jobcentreplus. Some charities have run courses to prepare you for the health and safety test. Check, for example, Redkitelearning.org.uk
What if I Fail the CSCS Health and Safety Test?
You can take it as many times as you wish. You have to pay £17.50 each time.
Can I get help towards cost of tools or special clothing that I?
Budgeting Loans One of the reasons you can apply for a budgeting loan is ‘expenses associated with seeking work’. This might, for example, be for special clothing or tools that you need. For more details see Budgeting Loans CRISIS ‘Changing Lives’ Awards This scheme is run by the homeless charity Crisis Grants (not repayable) of up to £2500 are available for ‘Tools and equipment to use for a job linked directly to [your] career goal’. You must have been homeless but are now in more settled accommodation, such as a hostel, supported housing or living independently You must have had the help of a support worker (such as a keyworker or employment advisor) for at least six months and that person must be prepared to write a statement supporting your application Grants are usually awarded at three times during the year For more information and details of how to apply go to crisis.org.uk
What are ‘Crisis Changing Lives’ Awards
This scheme is run by the homeless charity Crisis Grants (not repayable) of up to £2500 are available for ‘Tools and equipment to use for a job linked directly to [your] career goal’. You must have been homeless but are now in more settled accommodation, such as a hostel, supported housing or living independently You must have had the help of a support worker (such as a keyworker or employment advisor) for at least six months and that person must be prepared to write a statement supporting your application Grants are usually awarded at three times during the year For more information and details of how to apply go to crisis.org.uk
Disability Employment Advisors (‘DEAs’) are specialist advisors based at Jobcentres. They have greater knowledge of disability issues. They have in-depth knowledge of the types of help you can get if you have a disability To make an appointment with a Disability Employment Advisor, ask at your local Jobcentre
What is the Worker Registration Scheme for A8 Nationals?
A8 refers to the countries of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia If you are from one of these countries and wish to work for more than one month in the UK you will usually need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme. You do not need to register if you are self-employed You have to register with the Home Office within 30 days of starting work You should complete form WRS. You can get the form by telephoning 0117 344 1471 or you can download it here You have to pay £90 for a first application Once you have registered you will be given a registration certificate and will be able to claim tax credits if you qualify. If you are on a low income you might also be able to get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit If you change jobs within 12 months of registering you will need to register again If you work in the UK for 12 months without a break in your work you will then no longer have to register for the Worker Registration Scheme. You will get a residence permit confirming your right to live and work in the UK. For more information go to www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk
How do I Register for the Worker Registration Scheme?
You should complete form WRS. You can get the form by telephoning 0117 344 1471 or you can download it here You have to pay £90 for a first application Once you have registered you will be given a registration certificate and will be able to claim tax credits if you qualify. If you are on a low income you might also be able to get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit If you change jobs within 12 months of registering you will need to register again
What is the situation for Bulgarians and Romanians Working in the UK?
For the rights of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to live and work in the UK go to: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Do I need a National Insurance Number before applying for Jobs?
No. But if you are from outside the UK many employers will want to see that you have a National Insurance number before offering you a job.
If you are applying for a National Insurance number because you are trying to find work, then yes you will need some proof that you have been job hunting. Letters from employers saying that you were not successful in applying for jobs is the best evidence. You can also use copies of letters or application forms you have sent off when applying for jobs. You might also keep compliment slips if you go into shops and ask for work — ideally get them signed by someone. You can register with agencies The general advice is to collect as many documents as possible showing you have been looking for work and take these to your National Insurance interview (see below)
Do I need to prove that I am looking for Work to get a National Insurance Number?
If you are applying for a National Insurance number because you are trying to find work, then yes you will need some proof that you have been job hunting. Letters from employers saying that you were not successful in applying for jobs is the best evidence. You can also use copies of letters or application forms you have sent off when applying for jobs. You might also keep compliment slips if you go into shops and ask for work — ideally get them signed by someone. You can register with agencies The general advice is to collect as many documents as possible showing you have been looking for work and take these to your National Insurance interview (see below)
How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?
First you ring 0845 600 0643. You can do this from your own phone or at the Jobcentre. You will be asked some basic details such as your name and address. You can also request that you have an interpreter at your interview. You should then receive a letter asking you to come to an interview, usually within a month. The letter will tell you where to go and which documents to take with you. You will need to take documents proving your identity to the interview. This could be a passport, identity card, birth certificate, driving licence, Home Office letters or other documents. You will need to take documents proving your address. This could be a tenancy agreement, bills, bank statement or other letters with your address on. If you are using a friend’s address you should take a bills or letters with their address on. You will need to take documents proving that you have the right to work in the UK. This could, for example, be a passport, birth certificate or Home Office document confirming your right to work. You will need to take documents proving that you are actively seeking work — see above If your application is successful, you will receive your National Insurance number some time after the interview. You will then receive a National Insurance number card at a later date.
Does a former Employer have to give me a Reference?
No, unless you had a contract which specifically required a reference to be given
If a former employer does give you a reference, then the reference must be true, accurate and fair.
What if I am having problems getting References?
This can be quite common. It often happens if you have moved around a lot, if you have come from overseas, if you have had a lot of short-term jobs or if old employers no longer exist. If you are likely to need references, think about it early on. Make a list of all possible people who might be able to give you a reference and try to contact them. A bit of detective work can pay off. If you are really struggling for references, think as widely as possible about who might give you a reference. If there are no former employers, think about college tutors or anyone else you have met who has a responsible job. Keyworkers, employment support workers, health workers or daycentre workers might give you a reference Taking part in a work experience placement such as the Ready for Work programme can lead to a reference Voluntary work is another good way of getting a reference
Is there anywhere to store belongings during interviews?
If you are on the street and have interviews to go to, where to put your belongings can be a real problem. The West London Daycentre in Marylebone may be able to help you with this - Telephone: 020 7569 5900
What if I have no telephone contact number?
If you do not have your own landline or mobile phone, it can be a problem not having a telephone number to give to possible employers. St Mungos run ‘Voicemail4All’ which gives you a free personal 020 voicemail number. Any employers will presume that this is a normal London landline. People can leave messages for you on this number and you can then pick the messages up from any phone. When you phone the voicemail number, you are charged at local call rate. But if there are no messages in the mailbox there is no charge for the call. You can get your free voicemail number through St Mungos or one of its partner organizations. For a list of where to go see voicemail4all.org.uk
What is ‘Ready for Work’?
It is a two-week work placement programme run by an organization called ‘Business in the Community’. It offers work experience for homeless people with a number of large companies
What are Work Trials?
They are opportunities to work on a job for up to 15 days without your benefit being affected They are carried out with the knowledge and agreement of the Jobcentre The idea is that the Work Trial gives you the chance to assess whether the job is right for you and gives the potential employer the chance to assess whether you are right for the job
Is Self-Employment for me?
Good for self — employment You have skills and talents which are in demand, or are willing to learn them You are open to learning new skills, especially those connected with business management, if you do not have them You are willing to take a risk and can afford to take a risk You are ready to exploit opportunities You find it difficult to commit to regular working hours Not so good for self-employment You lack experience in your current job, and feel that you still have skills that you need to develop You are not confident about selling yourself — all self-employment involves selling to some extent You like to work regular hours and take regular holidays You have little, or insufficient, money to invest in the business
What financial help can I get to help start up a business?
There are a number of national and London-wide schemes which can provide grants and loans to people wishing to start up in business. For more details click here
Can the Jobcentre help if I want to start up in business?
If you are on benefits, starting up in business through one of the Jobcentre schemes is worth considering. They basically allow you to test out whether self-employment would work for you whilst initially staying on benefits. If it does not work out you return to benefits.
Where can I get help and advice to start up a business?
There are various sources of business advice and guidance to help people who wish to start their own business.
How would part-time work affect my benefits?
If you work part-time, you may still qualify for help with your rent through Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance and with the Council Tax through Council Tax Benefit.
Would Voluntary work affect my benefits?
The general rule is that you can do as much voluntary work as you like and your benefits will not be affected. This applies to Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit and all other benefits If you are on Jobseekers Allowance you must still be actively seeking work and sign on every two weeks. You must also be willing to attend a job interview on 48 hours’ notice from the Jobcentre and be willing to start a job within 7 days if it is offered to you. As a volunteer, you are not allowed to receive any money except your actual out of pocket expenses for things like travel. You are allowed to receive a reasonable amount as lunch expenses.
Where do I find voluntary work?
The ‘Do-it’ website The do-it.org.uk website is easily the best place to start if you are looking for voluntary work It has thousands of voluntary opportunities from around the country It is easy to use. On the homepage, where it says ‘quick search’, click on the type of volunteer job you are interested in from the drop down menu and then type in your postcode. When you then click on ‘search’ it will give you a number of possible jobs within 5km of your address. You can widen, narrow or alter your search at this point if you want to. If you click on one of the volunteer jobs offered, you will then be given fuller details. At the end of the job description it will then give you contact details. This will be the local Volunteer Centre where you are likely to be interviewed. Newspapers The Guardian newspaper usually has some volunteer jobs in its Wednesday pull out section called ‘Society’. They are usually towards the back. The Evening Standard usually has volunteer jobs in its Monday Jobs supplement. Volunteer Centres Most areas have a local Volunteer Centre. These are usually similar to the local council areas such as ‘Volunteer Centre Southwark’ and ‘Volunteer Centre Westminster’. The Volunteer Centre can give you lots of information about volunteering and do a search for you of local opportunities. Some Volunteer Centres in London have been running special projects trying to get homeless people involved in volunteering. To find the Volunteer Centre nearest to you, go to do-it.org and click on ‘Volunteer Centres’.
If I get a Job how do I survive till payday?
If you are to be paid weekly this might not be a problem. But if you are to be paid monthly you will have to think about living expenses until you are paid: Ideally you will have set some money aside Your employer might give you an advance on your wages — it might be worth a try if you get on well If you are in real difficulties, you can apply for a Crisis Loan from the Jobcentre. One of the specific reasons that you can apply for a Crisis Loan is that you are waiting for your first wages.
What is the Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage for employees aged between 18 and 21 is £4-60 an hour The minimum wage for employees aged 22 or older is £5-52 an hour
What is Income Tax?
The ‘tax’ year runs from 6th April to 5th April the following year Most people pay income tax on the money they earn during each tax year No tax is paid on an initial amount earned during each tax year. This is known as the ‘Personal Allowance’. For the tax year 2009-2010 the Personal Allowance for a person aged under 65 is £6,475. After the Personal Allowance, your income is taxed in ‘slices’. The first £37,400 is taxed at 20%. Anything above that is taxed at 40%.
What is PAYE?
Most people who are employed pay income tax under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme. This means that the employer deducts tax (and National Insurance) directly from your earnings and pays it to the government. The amount deducted will be based on how much tax you are likely to have to pay over the tax year. You will be given a ‘tax code’ which will determine how much is deducted from your wages on a weekly or monthly basis (depending on how you are paid). This will usually consist of 3 digits and a letter such as 522L. If, at the end of the tax year, you have paid too little or too much tax, you will either have to pay the shortfall or claim a rebate.
What is National Insurance?
Employees pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions on earnings above £110 per week The rate for 2009-2010 is 11% on these earnings Your employer will deduct National Insurance contributions along with income tax under the PAYE scheme
Where can I get help and use telephones and computers for jobsearching?
There are a number of homeless organizations who provide general help and advice in looking for work. This will usually be a mixture of: use of computers; help preparing CVs, free internet use, jobsearch advice, and access to newspapers. Some might help with the cost of travel to interviews. Some of the main centres in and around Central London are:
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