Posted in United Kingdom forum
Here's the basics:
1. It is SO HARD to find work and somewhere to live here. You cannot imagine how hard it can be until you come here. I don't know a single person who doesn't complain that their life exist only on 2-3 jobs simply to break even. And when its hard to find one job, imagine how hard it is to find enough work to break even.
2. In addition the housing situation is impossible. There is a shortage of over 1 million homes in London alone. Do you think that as a new arrival you will easily find yourself somewhere to live, competing with 1 million other people?
3. You have NO SUPPORT SYSTEM in an emergency. The British government cut off access for Europeans to get support with unemployment, housing or sick leave last year and it was implemented this year. By cutting people's support system they managed to artificially reduce the unemployment rate by 20%. Almost 3 million WORKING people have to rely on food banks to survive. Imagine what it's like if you don't find work.
England is nothing it was 5-years ago. Salaries are too low to live on, there are very few jobs and 200-300 applicants per job, there are barely anywhere you can live. Forget about having your own apartments.
If you want to test how hard it is, mail in your CV to at least five of the many recruitment agencies, the main way that companies recruit people in England, and see how many replies you get...
Lisette
posted by Phil Spector in United Kingdom forum
I don't know what the situation is in other parts of England, but judging by the feedback London is suppose to be easier. In England you get work through people you know, not through applications. Also, they are very demanding on job experiences that focus only on one job task so if you have a variety of work experiences, they tend to dismiss an applicant. They also dismiss new arrivals who do not have job experiences within the UK because they don't know anything about foreign companies and what quality work they represent. You only get the foot in the door by having high qualifications and chasing them all the time or by a friend referring you.
Super true!
posted by Harry Radzuan in United Kingdom forum
I have lived here for a year to study, and I have been trying to find a job since I arrived here. Did not get anything even until I finished my study. Maybe because I am not European. But a friend of mine got a job fairly easily as he is from Spain. Maybe it depends on the sector you go in and where you come from.
About a place to live, London itself is huge. So you will definitely find somewhere to live once you can find a job.
For whole England or just London?
posted by Lisette Rozenberg in United Kingdom forum
I would like to move to England, but don't want to live in London. Is it the same in south England?
Also here in the Netherlands people are having a lot of trouble finding a job. But that also depends on the field of work you do.. I'm a programmer and designer so for me there is a bit more chance to find something..