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Working: The European dimension

Working - United Kingdom

We all have to do it at some stage: work, that is! Some of us love our jobs while some of us would simply love a change. Sometimes it’s hard to find any kind of work at all. Fortunately, the UK has loads of sites giving advice on careers and job hunting. No matter what stage of your career you’re at, there should be something of use to you here. You could be your own boss, or you could look for jobs overseas. Find out what you need to practice your profession abroad or discover how to work your way around the world, funding your travel as you go.

ACAS - Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

If you have a question about work or are having a problem with your employer, you can consult this service. It runs a free and confidential helpline on employment law. You can also have a look at the employment topics or question and answer sections.

http://www.acas.org.uk [EN]

Career development loans

If you think you could benefit from extra training in order to give your career a boost, then have a look at what's on offer at this site. The government can give you a loan to help pay for a course that will improve your job prospects.

http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl [EN]

Careers Centre

Don’t know what to do with your life? Need a change of direction? Have burning ambition but don’t know where to start? Then try this site for inspiration. You can search for specific careers, discover what skills you need to do the job of your dreams, compare and contrast different careers and find step-by-step guidance on getting into a range of different jobs.

http://www.hotcourses.com/pls/cgi-bin/hc_career_display.page_pls_career_hom [EN]

Children and employment

Find out how to balance your work with your other commitments. This article explains your parental rights; it is a guide to what jobs you can do at different ages, how many hours you are allowed to work and what level of pay you are entitled to.

http://www.gmlpu.org.uk/home/pages/199 [EN]

Civil Service Recruitment Gateway

Information provided by the UK government for British nationals who are interested in working in the EU.

http://www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/ [EN]

Commission for Racial Equality

Nobody has to put up with racial harassment, discrimination or abuse in the workplace. Learn about your rights from the legal advice presented here, and find out how you can report offences.

http://www.cre.gov.uk/ [EN][CY]

Department for Work and Pensions

For people of working age, families and disabled people. Get advice on living on a low income, working out your tax, looking for a job and more. Find out about claiming benefits and learn about social security arrangements between the UK and other countries. Some information is available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujerati, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk [EN][CY]

Department of Trade & Industry

Link to relevant information on employer relations, work-life balance, employment rights and market analysis and research. For instance, you can find out how many hours a week you are allowed to work, or how much holiday pay you can get.

http://www.berr.gov.uk/ [EN]

Directgov

This site contains easy-to-use information on UK employment law, including maternity leave and pay entitlements. Find out how to start a new job, to contact a trade union, to fight discrimination at your working place and much more!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm [EN]

Employment opportunities for people with disabilities

Provides details of government initiatives to help people achieve their ambitions in the workplace, as well as career advice specifically targeted to disabled students and graduates.

http://www.opportunities.org.uk [EN]

Equal Opportunities Commission

Have you been discriminated against at work because of your gender? Get advice on the law and your rights to equal pay, parental leave, a family-friendly work environment and equal relations at work. Find out what to do about sexual harassment, unfair recruitment and selection procedures and more.

http://www.eoc.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=15353 [EN][CY]

Europass

You can get recognition of work-related training undertaken in another EU country. Find out how you can get your work experience accredited and recognised.

http://www.europass-uk.co.uk [EN]

Europe Open for Professions

Information from the UK government about working in another European country. For UK nationals and those looking to come and work in the UK. Advice for specific professions, with links to the appropriate professional bodies to contact for further advice.

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/europeopen [EN]

European Commission in the United Kingdom

How to get a job in the European Commission. Browse current vacancies and read up on the EU recruitment timetables and procedures.

http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/work_with_eu/index_en.htm [EN]

HM Revenue & Customs

Think tax is complicated and dull? Dull, maybe, but not necessarily complicated. Use the calculators to work out if you qualify for tax credits, and find out how much you can earn before you need to start paying tax.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm [EN]

I Resign

How to quit your job with dignity! Use the online templates to help you design a resignation letter, read the archive of amusing resignation letters, not recommended for actual use! Find out why you should leave rather than stay, and get down to earth CV and job-hunting advice.

http://www.i-resign.com/uk/home [EN]

Ideas Factory

All you creative types should check out this site. It has inside information on getting in and getting on in the creative industries. So if it’s art, drama, design, fashion, film and TV, music, dance, photography or writing that you’re interested in, this is the place to go. There are separate sites for Scotland, the West Midlands and Northern Ireland.

http://www.channel4.com/4talent/ [EN]

Jobcentre Plus

Get information on working, training and studying in the UK. There's also advice for UK residents who want to get a job in another European country. Find out about benefit entitlement, search for job vacancies and learn about the different schemes and extra help available to assist you in finding gainful employment!

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers [EN]

Jobs advice

Find the job you really want with the help of these advice pages. Whether you want to work outdoors, get an international career, turn a hobby into a business or earn megabucks, this site will give you ideas about getting started!

http://jobsadvice.guardian.co.uk [EN]

Prince's Trust

Are you aged 18-30 and unemployed? Do you dream of setting up your own business, but lack the cash to do anything about it? Well, here's the solution! If you've got a brilliant business idea, you can apply to the Trust for financial help and support.

http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Main%20Site%20v2/14-30%20and%20need%20help/ [EN]

Shell-Livewire

Calling all budding entrepreneurs. This site has information to help young people aged 16-30 set up their own businesses. Read the case studies for inspiration, and try out the 'Big Trip' page for tests that will help you decide what you want to do and how to get organised.

http://www.shell-livewire.org [EN]

Support 4 Learning

This site provides information about working, work experience and internships in the UK. It also has a job search facility, and offers career advice and guidance. Scroll down the page for information on working abroad from the UK or working in the UK from other countries to get advice on international careers.

http://www.support4learning.org.uk/jobsearch/index.cfm [EN]

UK National Reference Point - Seeking Employment

Information on looking for work in the UK for those of you who have qualifications and training gained overseas. Also has practical information on visas and work permits.

http://www.uknrp.org.uk [EN]

Working Families

All about flexible work arrangements; not how to sit at your desk in a yoga position, but information on job sharing, working part-time or taking a career break or sabbatical.

http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk [EN]

Working in the UK

If you want to work in the UK, then this is the site you need. Get advice on applying for work permits, visas and British citizenship. Citizens of 8 of the 10 new EU member states will need to sign up to the ‘Worker Registration Scheme’ - find the latest information on this scheme here.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ [EN]

workSMART

New website launched by the Trades Union Congress. Offers free work-related help and advice to users. You don't have to be a union member, as the information is relevant to everyone. There's specific information for young workers. You can search for a union representing your line of work as well.

http://www.worksmart.org.uk [EN]

England: Business link

Business advice service. Specific information for women and members of minority ethnic communities, as well as tailored advice on setting up your own firm, regulations and tax, finance, management, employees and more. You can order the 'no-nonsense' guide to government regulations for free.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk [EN]

Northern Ireland: Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre

Information on employment rights. The site has links to resource centres in other towns throughout Northern Ireland.

http://www.burc.org [EN]

Northern Ireland: Careers Service

So you want to get a job, find out more about different careers, learn about training or discover what qualifications you need to do your dream job? Well, this is the site for you!

http://www.careersserviceni.com [EN]

Northern Ireland: Department for Employment and Learning

Choose the information you need from the menu on the left-hand side. There is a section on employment rights and a careers website where you can get access to advice on job training.

http://www.delni.gov.uk [EN]

Scotland: Careers Scotland

Astronaut or bee keeper? Whatever job you fancy doing, try this site for information on how to get started. Look under Career Ideas for the Which Way Now section, which is for young people making decisions about what subjects to take at school.

http://www.careers-scotland.org.uk [EN]

Scotland: Fresh Talent

The Scottish government actively encourages skilled workers to come and live in Scotland. You will find lots of links to recruitment and employment sites here.

http://www.scotlandistheplace.com [EN]

Scotland: Scottish Enterprise

If you want to start up a business in Scotland, this is your first port of call. There is information here for young people, women and disabled people, career advice, services for business and communities and lots more.

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com [EN]

Wales: Careers Wales

Have a look at the section for young people and download free booklets giving advice on work and training options.

http://www.careerswales.com [EN][CY]

Wales: Futureskills Wales

Search for jobs, find out what skills employers are looking for, check out outlooks for jobs and occupations in different regions, and generally get informed about the labour market in Wales.

http://www.futureskillswales.com/index.php [EN][CY]

Original Volunteers

Original Volunteers offer affordable volunteering abroad, unlimited choices, fantastic volunteer work opportunities, and a flexible approach. Volunteering abroad can change your life, its a great way to travel as well as do some of the most crucial charity work you will ever do. Volunteering abroad will help you gain new skills, self-confidence, make friends for life, and improve your CV. Original Volunteers offer you the opportunity to volunteer overseas on a range of over 100 volunteer projects in 18 countries around the world. Whatever your age, background, or nationality, the volunteer projects welcome everybody equally and endeavour to encourage and support you in your choices and decisions.

http://www.originalvolunteers.co.uk/ [EN]