Exploring UK: A Guide for Overseas Filipino Workers

Exploring UK: A Guide for Overseas Filipino Workers

Updated:

Hey there! Are you interested in working in the United Kingdom? 

Well, you’re in luck because today we’re going to talk about UK job hiring, which is a super important topic. We’ve got all the information you need right here, so stay tuned!

Also, we’ve compiled a list of job agencies that are registered in the POEA (now DMW or the Department of Migrant Workers) for your convenience. Check it out below!

Latest Update About U.K.

    List of Accredited Manpower Agency in the United Kingdom

    • 10TH STORY PLACEMENT AGENCY, INC.
    • 1ST DYNAMIC PERSONNEL RESOURCES INC.
    • 21ST CENTURY MANPOWER RESOURCES INC (FOR. NURSING INT`L.)
    • 7107 ISLANDS PLACEMENT & PROMOTIONS INC.
    • ABBA PERSONNEL SERVICES INC.
    • ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT SERVICES INC.
    • AMI GLOBAL RECRUITMENT
    • AMZION INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AGENCY INC.
    • ANDREWS MANPOWER CONSULTING INC.
    • AQUAVIR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    • ASC GLOBAL RECRUITMENT INC (FORMERLY ARTIST SEARCH CORPORATION)

    Is it Good to work in the United Kingdom?

    The United Kingdom is a popular destination for job seekers from all over the world.

    The UK government provides a variety of work visas, including the Skilled Worker visa, Graduate visa, and other work visas.

    The British employment laws are designed to protect workers’ rights. If you are working in the UK, you have the right to a minimum wage, paid holidays, and sick leave.

    There are many reasons why people love working in the UK. According to a survey conducted by Glassdoor, some of the best places to work in the UK include companies such as Bain & Company, Salesforce, and Microsoft.

    Working in the United Kingdom (UK) has its advantages, such as:

    • Stable Economy: The UK has a pretty steady economy, which means there are generally plenty of job opportunities. This is good for people who want to find work and make money.
    • High Standard of Living: People in the UK tend to have a good quality of life. There are good schools, healthcare, and other services that can make life comfortable.
    • Diverse Job Market: You can find all sorts of jobs in the UK. From finance in London to tech in Manchester, there’s something for everyone. This means you have choices in what you want to do for a living.
    • Learning Opportunities: The UK has some of the world’s best universities. If you want to go to college or university, there are lots of options to choose from.
    • Cultural Experience: The UK is rich in history and culture. You can learn a lot about different traditions and lifestyles by living and working there.
    • Healthcare: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides healthcare to residents, which means you can get medical care without worrying too much about huge bills.
    • Travel Opportunities: The UK is a great base for exploring Europe. You can easily travel to other European countries for vacations because it’s so close.
    • Language: English is the main language spoken, which makes it easier for many people to work and communicate.
    • Worker’s Rights: The UK has laws that protect workers’ rights, like minimum wage and paid holidays, which means you’re treated fairly at work.
    • Cultural Diversity: You’ll meet people from all over the world in the UK, which can be really interesting and help you learn about different cultures.

    Benefits, Privileges in Working in the United Kingdom

    About mandatory employee benefits in the United Kingdom:

    • Salary:
      • The average annual salary for full-time workers in the United Kingdom was 33,000 British pounds (approximately Php 2,333,322.0) in 2022.
      • Compared with the previous year this represented an annual increase of 5.6 percent, the fastest annual earning growth since 2000.
    • Pension : 
      • In the UK, everyone who works has to have a pension, which is a special savings account for when you’re older and not working anymore.
      • Employers have to put some money into it for you, and you can also put in some of your own money if you want.
      • The government has rules about how much money has to go in, but some employers put in even more.
    • Healthcare: 
      • In the UK, there’s something called the National Health Service (NHS), which is like a doctor and hospital service that you can use when you’re not feeling well.
      • You don’t have to pay a lot of money for it because the government helps pay for it with the taxes they collect.
    • Holiday Pay: 
      • If you work five days a week, you’re supposed to get at least 28 days off with pay every year.
      • That’s like a special vacation. Some bosses give even more time off, and sometimes you can even buy extra days off.
    • Maternity/Paternity Pay: 
      • If you’re going to have a baby, the government gives you some money to help when you’re not working.
      • It’s called maternity pay for moms and paternity pay for dads.
    • Sick Pay:
      • If you’re sick and can’t work, your boss has to give you some money to help you get by.
      • Some bosses give more money than the government says they have to.
    • Supplementary Employee Benefits:
      These are extra things that your boss might give you:
      • Life Assurance: It’s like insurance that helps your family if something bad happens to you.
      • Income Protection: This is like insurance in case you can’t work for a long time.
      • Critical Illness Insurance: If you get really sick, this insurance gives you a lump sum of money.
      • Private Medical Insurance: Some bosses offer private health insurance, which means you can get medical help faster.
      • Dental Insurance: It helps pay for going to the dentist.
      • Health Cash Plan: This is like a savings plan for medical stuff that isn’t covered by other insurance.
    • Employee Assistance Programs and Virtual GP Services:
      • Sometimes, your boss might offer a program that helps you with personal problems or lets you talk to a doctor online.
    • Employer-Sponsored Retirement:
      • This is like a special savings plan for when you’re old and can’t work anymore. Your boss has to start it as soon as you get hired.
    • Employee Perks:
      These are extra things your boss might give you:
      • Company Cars: Some employees get a car from their boss or money to pay for a car.
      • Season Ticket Loan: If you commute to work, your boss might lend you money to buy a discounted train or bus ticket.
      • Tax-free Childcare: The government helps pay for childcare.
      • Bike to Work: Your boss might help you buy a bike to ride to work.
      • Gymnasiums: Some bosses give you money to join a gym or do sports.
    • Workplace Canteens:
      • Big employers sometimes have a place where you can buy food at a discount, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    Cost of Living in the United Kingdom

    • Family of four estimated monthly costs: Php290,346
    • Single-person estimated monthly costs: Php163,721
    Exchange rate:70.887 PHP / 1 GBP
    Sep 15, 8:50 AM UTC

    Food

    Food NamePHPGBP
    Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district(Php938)£13
    1 liter (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk(Php466)£7
    500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast(Php244)£3.44
    2 liters of Coca-Cola(Php78)£1.10
    12 eggs, large(Php246)£3.47
    1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes(Php136)£1.92
    500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese(Php291)£4.11
    1 kg (2 lb.) of apples(Php142)£2.00
    1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes(Php67)£0.94
    0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket(Php121)£1.71
    1 bottle of red table wine, good quality(Php575)£8
    2 liters of coca-cola(Php158)£2.23
    Bread for 2 people for 1 day(Php79)£1.11

    Housing

    HousingPHPGBP
    Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in a normal area(Php82,134)£1,159
    Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 2 people in an 85m2 flat(Php57,909)£817
    Internet 8 Mbps (1 month)(Php15,460)£218
    Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio(Php9,443)£133
    Internet 8 mbps (1 month)(Php1,817)£26
    Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.)(Php449)£6
    Hourly rate for cleaning help(Php1,049)£15

    Clothes

    ClothesPHPGBP
    1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar)(Php4,382)£62
    1 pair of sports shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands)(Php2,289)£32
    1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands)(Php4,833)£68
    1 pair of men’s leather business shoes(Php4,959)£70

    Transportation

    TransportationPHPGBP
    1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas(Php108)£1.53
    Monthly ticket public transport(Php6,389)£90

    Personal Care

    Personal CarePHPGBP
    Standard men’s haircuts in expat area of the city(Php292)£4.12
    1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)(Php757)£11
    Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)(Php7,928)£112
    1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, …)(Php268)£3.78
    Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)(Php121)£1.71
    Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)(Php247)£3.49
    4 rolls of toilet paper(Php151)£2.13
    Tube of toothpaste(Php129)£1.81
    Standard men’s haircuts in expat areas of the city(Php1,013)£14

    Qualifications And Requiements

    The qualifications and requirements for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

    Qualifications:

    • Skills and Experience: To work in the UK as an OFW, you generally need to have skills or experience in a specific job or profession. This means you should be good at something that is in demand in the UK job market, like nursing, engineering, or information technology.
    • Age: You should be at least 18 years old to be eligible for most types of work visas in the UK.
    • English Proficiency: Having a basic understanding of the English language is important. It will help you communicate with your colleagues and employers.

    Requirements:

    • Valid Passport: You’ll need a valid Philippine passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Make sure to keep it safe.
    • Job Offer: Before going to the UK, you need a job offer from a UK employer. They’ll usually provide you with a contract stating your job, salary, and other terms of employment.
    • Visa Application: You’ll need to apply for a work visa to the UK. There are different types of visas, such as a Tier 2 (General) visa or a Health and Care Worker visa, depending on your job. You can apply for this through the UK embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
    • Health Check: You may be required to undergo a medical examination to make sure you’re in good health.
    • Criminal Record Check: You’ll have to prove that you don’t have a criminal record in the UK or your home country.
    • Financial Proof: You might need to show that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK until you start earning a salary.
    • Accommodation: It’s important to arrange for a place to stay in the UK. This could be provided by your employer or arranged independently.
    • Supporting Documents: You’ll have to submit various documents like your passport, job contract, visa application form, and any other documents requested by the UK authorities.
    • Fees: Be prepared to pay fees for your visa application, as well as other expenses like travel and accommodation.

    How to Apply

    If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or someone who wants to work in the UK, you can apply for a visa to go to the UK.

    Here are full information from www.gov.uk

    What do you need to do if you’re coming to the UK?

    If you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom, there are several important steps you need to take to ensure a smooth journey. 

    Here’s a simplified guide:

    Check if you need a UK visa

    • Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to determine whether you require a visa to enter the UK. 
    • There are various types of visas, but some of the most popular ones include the Health and Care Worker Visa, and the Skilled Worker Visa.

    How to apply for a Visa to come to the UK?

    If you discover that you do need a visa, here’s how to go about it:

    Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

    When you apply for your visa, you may also need to pay for UK healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

    Here are the key details:

    Explore the steps to follow if you want a refund of your IHS.

    Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants

    Depending on your circumstances, you might need to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application. 

    Here’s what you need to know:


    Process on how to manage your application

    Managing your UK visa application involves several important steps.

    Here’s a breakdown of the process for easy understanding:

    • Calculate Your Visa Application Cost: To begin, you can use a handy tool to determine the cost of your UK visa application. This tool helps you understand the associated visa fees.
    • Expedite Your Visa Decision:
      • If you’re looking to expedite the decision-making process for your visa or settlement application, here’s how to do it based on your location:
    • Sign In to Continue Your Application
      • If you’ve already started your visa application and need to resume it, follow these simple steps:
        • Find your registration email.
        • Click on the provided link in the email.
        • Enter your sign-in details to access your application.
    • Cancel Your Application if Necessary
    • Contact UK Visas and Immigration for Assistance
      • If you require assistance or have inquiries related to your visa application, don’t hesitate to get in touch with UK Visas and Immigration.

    By following these steps and guidelines, you can efficiently manage your UK visa application and ensure a smoother experience.


    Process on what to do once you’re in the UK

    Once you’ve arrived in the UK, there are several essential steps to follow. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do:

    Get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    A Biometric Residence Permit, or BRP, is a crucial document to have while in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:

    By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation and take appropriate action while staying in the UK.


    Process on how to get or use a share code

    Understanding how to obtain or utilize a share code involves several distinct purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

    • Obtaining or Using a Share Code
      • How to View and Confirm Your Immigration Status
        • One of the primary uses of a share code is to verify your immigration status. To do this, you’ll need to learn how to obtain a share code, which is a crucial step in the process.
      • Verifying a Job Applicant’s Right to Work
    • If you are an employer checking the right to work of a job applicant, you can make use of their share code.
    • This ensures that the prospective employee has the necessary authorization to work in the UK.
    • Confirming a Tenant’s Right to Rent in England
      • For landlords in England, it’s essential to confirm the right to rent of your tenants. Utilizing their share code is a reliable way to carry out this verification in compliance with regulations.
    • D. Checking Someone’s Immigration Status
      • In various scenarios, such as when dealing with official matters, it may be necessary to confirm an individual’s immigration status. The shared code can be a valuable tool in this context, simplifying the verification process.

    Understanding how to obtain and utilize a share code is essential for individuals and organizations alike, as it plays a pivotal role in confirming immigration status, right to work, and right to rent in the United Kingdom.


    Process If your circumstances change

    If you find yourself in a situation where your circumstances have undergone a change, it’s essential to take the following steps:

    • Reporting a Change of Circumstances for Visa or BRP Holders
      • If you currently hold a visa or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and your circumstances have altered, it is important to promptly report these changes. This ensures that your immigration status remains accurate and up-to-date.
    • Transferring Your Visa from Your Passport or Replacing Your Visa
    • Updating Your UK Visas and Immigration Account Details

    By adhering to these procedures, you can ensure that your immigration status aligns with your current situation, promoting compliance with the necessary regulations and guidelines.


    Process If you need advice

    If you find yourself in need of immigration advice, there’s a structured process you can follow to get the assistance you require. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

    The first step in seeking immigration advice is to locate a qualified immigration advisor who can guide you through the process.

    Here’s what you need to do:

    • Start by conducting a thorough search for a reputable immigration advisor. This can be done through various means, such as online research or recommendations from trusted sources.
    • Understand what immigration advisors can offer you. They possess expertise in navigating the complexities of immigration laws and procedures, making them valuable resources for individuals seeking to enter or stay in a country legally.
    • Once you’ve identified potential advisors, consider the process of hiring one. This involves reviewing their qualifications, experience, and reputation. Ensure that they are authorized and recognized by the relevant authorities.
    • In the unfortunate event that you encounter issues with your chosen advisor, know that there is a mechanism in place to address complaints. You have the right to voice your concerns and seek resolution if necessary.

    By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of seeking immigration advice and ensure that you receive the guidance you need from a qualified professional.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, if you’re interested in working in the United Kingdom, there are numerous opportunities and resources available to help you through the process. 

    From checking visa requirements and finding an immigration advisor to understanding the benefits of working in the UK, managing your application, and adapting to changing circumstances, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights and steps to make your journey smoother and more informed. 

    Whether you’re looking for job listings or need assistance with your immigration needs, this guide serves as a valuable resource for individuals considering employment in the UK.

    DISCLAIMER:

    This website provides job information only and is not responsible for recruitment or application processes. No fees are required for accessing job details or applying through this platform. Use caution and diligence when dealing with potential employers. (Read full)