Employment

How do I get a National Insurance Number?

If you have been resident in the UK you will probably already have a NI number that was sent to you when you were 16. If you were not resident in the UK and need a number because you now want to work, you can apply for a NI number from your local Jobcentre.

Telephone 0845 600 0643 for initial assistance. You will have to attend an interview at the Jobcentre and provide evidence of identity. More information is available from DirectGov.

Do I have to pay income tax and national insurance if I have a part time job?

Yes. However, there is a lower earnings limit below which you do not pay national insurance. Everyone who works has a personal tax allowance and does not pay tax if their annual income throughout the tax year comes to less than the amount of the allowance. More details and the current earnings limits and personal allowances can be seen on the DirectGov website.

Do I have to pay income tax and national insurance if I only work during the vacations?

If you have a temporary job for the vacation and it is clear that your earnings are not going to exceed your personal allowance for that year, you can ask your employer to complete and submit a form P38(S). You will not then pay tax and not have to claim back any overpayment. International students cannot use this system. National insurance must still be paid if your weekly income exceeds the lower earnings limit.

I think I have paid too much tax. How can I get a refund?

There are several circumstances where you might have paid too much tax. If you are employed, you can ask your employer or your employer’s tax office to check you have the correct tax code.

If you have just started work with a new employer, you should give them part 2 and 3 of your P45 from your previous employer and keep part 1. You should get a refund if you have overpaid tax.

If you have stopped work and don’t intend to work again before the end of the current financial year (5 April) complete form P50 and send to your tax office with parts 2 and 3 of your P45. You can print a P50 form from here.

How can I find part-time employment?

Most of the part time and temporary employment for students on campus is obtained through the employment agency Unitemps, which are now based on the first floor of SUHQ.

We at the Students’ Union also advertises jobs for students, which can be found here.

If you prefer to work off campus you can look for jobs through websites, the local Jobcentres, the local newspapers or direct contact.

I’m an international student. How many hours a week can I work?

You can work part time as long as you do not exceed 20 hours per week. During University vacations you can work full time. You can also work full time when you have completed your course if you still have leave to remain as a student.

Where can I get careers guidance?

You can get it from Student Careers and Skills on the ground floor of University House.

The Careers Hub in the Learning Grid is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and has a wealth of resources enabling you to get careers information.

I’m being bullied at work. What can I do?

Try to speak to the person who is bullying you to make them understand the effect their behaviour is having on you. If that is not possible, seek help from your line manager, your human resources department or your trade union representative. Keep a diary of the bullying behaviour. You can make a formal complaint through your employer’s grievance procedure. More information is available from DirectGov.

Other useful contacts

Student Tax Advice — a DirectGov-run website, including a tax refund calculator.

HM Revenue & Customs: Students

Employment advice — a page on DirectGov

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) — aiming to "improve organisations and working life through better employment relations".

Working in the UK —a UK Border Agency page on how non-UK students can get work in the UK.

Unite Working Students — a campaign that Unite the Union run to encourage students to join.

Pay & Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. The lines are open 8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm Saturday.