Work In UK

[MusicFever]

As a foreigner, I have lived in Singapore for almost 5 years. While everything stucks in certain situation, quite ok but dull already, I feel it's time to move on for a fresh environment now. I lived in Hong Kong and Australia before but never explored Europe so I intend to go to UK to have an experience, then see if I like to stay there.
It's pretty hard to find a job in UK without a working permit, and my qualifications do not yet pass the UK professional scheme immigration line, have to wait until end of next year when I reach 10 years IT working experience. My Japanese friend spent almost 2 years in Japan to get a job in Germany. If possible, I wish to start this asap, not wait for 2 years more. A European friend suggested me go to UK for part-time study and look for job at the meantime which could be much easier than UK-job hunting in Singapore. Does this work or any other suggestions from you?
Thank you.

[Shana]

If you come from a Commonwealth country, they have this work-travel scheme where you can work in the UK for up to a year without a visa. Of course, technically, your main purpose in the UK must be for a holiday and not to work but you are allowed to work full-time if I'm not wrong. If you would like to stay on beyond a year, you may be able to convince your employer to apply for a work-permit for you. Google to find out more about the scheme.

The part-time study thing sounds feasible but not fool-proof. I know people who've gone for a masters in the UK in hopes of securing a job there after and who have suceeded..and I also know those who haven't.

Good luck!

[MusicFever]

Hi Shana,
Thanks a lot for your reply. I am unluckily beyond the age limit in your suggestion 1. So, go to study or get a job in UK here seem to be the only choices. If anybody knows some good websites or job agents for working in UK, please let me know.
Thank you.

[Ai Li]

Hi,

you may check www.gumtree.com

in fact, when you arrive UK, there are a lot of local job agencies you can find easily.
I am on working travel visa, going back to UK in Mid March

good luck.


Aili

[MusicFever]

Hi Ai Li,
When I checked some websites, they all had a pre-requirement - working permit, which means if you dont hold a working permit or you are not qualified to pass UK professional immigration line, you are out! I even could not proceed to send out my CV. Is this a true matter even hunt job in UK? I quite believe some employers are willing to hire overseas talents and apply for working permit for them then, any websites or job agents or newspaper do you know?
Thank you.

[MusicFever]

And one more question. What is an OK yearly salary for an experienced man who first time gets a job offer in UK, 25,000, 35,000, 45,000 pounds...? Ok means the person can survive there, live a simple but definitely not too frugal life.