SENSE OF SECURITY

[Carmen]

I see most of the people here say that you have to come to the UK first and then find work as this is easier. I am also planning on leaving my home country next year. I've joined 3 agencies but have not heard anything from them to date.

I think what they need to keep in mind is that people from foreign countries going to the UK obviously wants to make sure they have a job when they arrive in the UK.

Surelt you can understand that it is not easy leaving your home country, going to a starnge country knowing you dont have a job secured for and and not knowing how long it will take to find a job.

I take it from myself i dont want to give up a nice job and then head to the UK only to find out it will take me at least 3months to find work.

So its not that easy giving up everything going to a foreign country and not have work. On average how much do one need to have to survive one months in London?? I've heard that living in London can cost a pretty penny.

I am still planning on coming but i want to feel secure by knowing i have a job the day i land and yes i know it must be difficult for employers to employ someone they haven't met face to face.

[prudence]

Thanks for your comments Carmen - you are definitely right about people wanting to feel secure and it is definitely a difficult thing to move to a strange country (but also very exciting!).

The reason we tell people that they need to come to the UK first is that unless you are in an occupation where there is a very high demand for suitable candidates (such as teachers, doctors etc), it is almost impossible to secure a job before you get here - especially if the people hiring you are going to have to pay a substantial amount of money for a visa/work permit for you.

You have done the right thing by registering with agencies - and WORKgateways definitely recommends that you follow up with these agencies and forge a good relationship with them, and let them know exactly when you are arriving in the country. The more they know you, the better they can help you. That way that can be on the look out for suitable positions for you even before you arrive and can possibly even have something ready for you when you get here. Depending on what agency you are in, WORKgateways recommends registering with agencies up to two years before your expected arrival in the UK.

The reality is that sometimes yes, it can take a couple of months to find full-time work in the UK and you have to make sure you have enough savings to help keep you going, to put up a bond for a flat etc. A general guide to living costs and your initial costs when you move are here: http://www.workgateways.com/working-cost-of-living.html

Remember you can always offset your savings by taking up some temp work when you get here while you wait to land that perfect job.

The important thing is to not get too discouraged. Many, many people have been in the same situation as yourself (me included) and I know many many people who say that moving here is the best thing they ever did. Just make sure you are prepared and do as much research as possible. And follow up with those agencies!
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Pru
WORKgateways
Working traveller/HSMP holder in London

[CarmenJ]

Prudence

Once again thanks for all the valuable information.
I'm sure i will find work before i get to the UK. Like you said i just need to follow up with the agencies. And even if i dont get work before i land in the UK i'm sure i will find something quickly. I'm sure there will be lots of work for Civil Engineers, especially in London seeing that London is hosting the 2012 Olympics. So upgrading of infrastructure will commence pretty soon in the near furure.
I am planning on leaving South-Africa only after the end of the current financial year, which is in February 2007 as i first need to sort out tax returns, etc.
I am just so excited i can't wait anymore.

Anyway cheers for now