- I don't know how to find a part-time job
- I stay in the UK to work after I have finished my course
- My employer isn't paying me the National Minimum Wage
- I am being bullied at work
- I am a casual worker and I don't know my employment rights
- I don't get any holiday pay
- I have paid too much income tax
- I haven't been paid and my employer keeps putting me off
- My employer has made changes to my contract and I don't know where I stand
Most students work on a part-time basis during their studies. It is a great way of developing new skills and experience which can be essential to help your future employment prospects. Earning extra money is always going to help towards making student life that little bit easier! If you need any advice relating to your employment, visit The Hub and speak with a Student Advisor.
Looking for work
If you are a full-time student, your main priority should be to focus on study. Therefore, you are strongly advised to work no more than a maximum of 15 hours per week, especially during term-time.
If you are looking for job vacancies, the following are usually a good places to start:
National Insurance (NI)
UK students receive their NI number just before they turn 16 years old. If you have lost it, you can contact the Benefits Agency (DSS) Tel: 0845 600 0643 to apply for a new NI card.
EEA/International Students can apply for an NI number if they are actively looking for a job. You will need to provide at least 2 pieces of evidence from an employer, such as an acknowledgement letter, rejection letter or job offer letter. You can also ask an Employment Agency to confirm in writing giving details of the jobs you have applied for. Job advertisements or email responses are not acceptable. Once you have at least 2 pieces of evidence or if you have already started work, telephone 0845 600 0643 to arrange an interview for an NI number.
At the interview, you should ask for a letter confirming that you have applied for a NI number. You should be sent a permanent NI number in 4-8 weeks. You do not need to wait for the NI number to arrive before you start work but you may need proof to show your employer that you have applied for your NI number.
Income Tax
All students are liable to pay income tax on earnings over a threshold set by the UK Government. The current personal allowance threshold for the tax year 2007-2008 is £5225.00 which is approximately £100 per week.
If you only work during the summer and your estimated earnings are not above the personal allowance threshold, ask your employer for a P38S form. If you complete this form, no income tax should be deducted from your earnings.
If you have finished work and believe you have paid too much income tax, you may be entitled to a refund from the Inland Revenue. You can contact them on 0845 366 7810. Alternatively, visit The Hub and discuss your case with a Student Advisor.
When you leave a job, your employer should give you P45. Keep this safe as you will need to give it to your next employer. At the end of the tax year, your employer should give you a P60. Again, keep this safe as it is proof of how much income tax you have paid that year and you will not be issued with another copy.
Problems at work
If you are experiencing any problems at work, for example, you are not getting paid; you are being discriminated at work; or you have been unfairly dismissed. Visit The Hub and speak to a Student Advisor to find out more about your employment rights.
Useful websites
University Careers Service www.reading.ac.uk/careers
Direct Gov www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment.index.htm
ACASArbitrary Advice www.acas.org.uk
Department of Work & Pensions www.dwp.gov.uk
Employment Tribunals Service www.ets.gov.uk
Working in the UK www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
National Minimum Wage www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/
Employment Rights www.dti.gov.uk/employment/index.html
Tax Issues www.studenttaxadvice.org.uk
If you have any other questions relating to your employment, visit The Hub and ask to speak with a Student Advisor.
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