UK FAQs

Do I need to pay any fee for registering with HCL International?
No, HCL International does not charge any fee to the candidate. It is a free service for candidates

What happens after I register with HCL International?
You will be contacted by a Consultant who will explain about the available vacancies and request an updated version of your CV. You will then be contacted as soon as a suitable vacancy becomes available and you will be sent the relevant job descriptions. If you decide to apply and your skills match the job in question, your Consultant will then forward your CV to the clients for assessment. If you are short listed for a face to face interview, we will ensure you are fully prepared and will help you organise your travel arrangements to the location where the interview will take place.

What happens if I am an overseas candidate and am offered a job in the UK?
Once you have been offered a job in the UK, we will guide you step by step – helping with your relocation and in obtaining all the right documentation for your new employer. We understand that it is transferring your life to a new country and therefore we want to make your move to the UK as easy as possible.

If I am an overseas candidate, do I need a work permit?
If you are part of the European Union but you originally come from one of the Accession States, you will need to register with the Workers Registration Scheme within one month from starting your new employment in the UK. Your employer will provide you with an application form which you will need to fill in and return to the Home Office with a fee of £ 90. After 12 months of employment, you won’t need to register again.
If you come from a country outside the European Union, you will need to apply for a Work Permit with the Home Office. 

(As a nurse), do I need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ?
Yes anyone wishing to practice as a Registered Nurse in the UK MUST register with the NMC and obtain a PIN number.
Please see the NMC website for details on how to apply:
http://www.nmc-uk.org/aArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2212

How long will I work in my job for?
Work contracts generally cover 1 year of employment although these can be extended and be made into permanent roles.  You could work in the UK as long as you like, but contracts then have to be renewed when they expire. In almost all cases, the employers prefer employees who are prepared to work at their company for longer periods.

Where will I live?
The employer usually provides either single or married accommodation. The single accommodation is located within the Hospital site and will consist of a room and shared facilities such as a living room, bathroom and kitchen. But if you are married and would like to live with your husband / wife and children, the employer might provide you with a 2 or 3 bedroom flat located nearby the Hospital site. The rent of the accommodation varies depending on the location in the UK. Normally the South of England and London area are more expensive than the North of England. The rent in the Hospital accommodation usually includes the cost of bills such as water, electricity and council taxes.  If you prefer to find your own accommodation, we will put you in contact with local Estate Agents who will advise in renting flats or houses in the town where the Hospital is located. Please note that these options will be more expensive than the Hospital Accommodation and you will need to pay for your bills in addition to your rent.

Can I bring my family with me?
Of course you can bring your family with you, although we normally suggest you come to the UK alone for the first couple of months and once you are settled and have familiarised yourself with the area and your new work environment, you then relocate your own family to join you.

Can I drive and buy a car?
Any employee can buy and drive a car in the UK as long as you have a valid driving licence.

What should I do when I arrive in the UK ?
If you are an overseas candidate, once you arrive in the UK, you will need to apply for a National Insurance number which you can obtain by contacting the local Job Centre. In most cases, the employer will request one for you using the Fast Track service which will allow you to receive your number within a week.  You will also need to open a bank account so that your new employer can pay your salary on a monthly basis. In each town or city, you will find several bank branches such as HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Abbey National and so on. To be able to open your bank account, you will need your passport, a proof of your UK address and a letter of employment from the Hospital. You will also need to register with a Dentist and a GP in the area.