Help and advice

Banks can give information and advice on setting up your own business and offer start-up loans, which need to be repaid with interest. Government grants and other financial support may be available. You can get details of these and advice on becoming self-employed from Business Link, a government-funded project for people starting or running a business - www.businesslink.gov.uk telephone : 0845 600 9 006.

Working in Europe

British citizens can work in any country that is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). In general, they have the same employment rights as a citizen of that country or state.

Check that you understand:

  • Equal rights
    • The categories covered by the law and exceptions
    • Equal job/equal pay regardless of gender
    • The different commissions working to promote equal opportunities
    • The grounds for sexual harassment complaints
  • At work
    • The importance of contracts of employment
    • The minimum wage and holiday entitlement
    • Information that has to be provided on pay slips
  • Tax
    • What is deducted from your earnings and why
    • The difference between being self-employed and employed
    • Where to get help if you need it when filling out forms
    • The purpose of National Insurance and what happens if you don't pay enough contributions
    • How you can get a National Insurance number
  • Pensions
    • Who is entitled to a pension
    • What age men and women can get a pension
  • Health and safety
    • Employer and employee obligations
    • What to do if you have concerns about health and safety
  • Trade unions
    • What they are and who can join
  • Losing your job
    • Where to go if you need advice on a problem at work
    • Possible reasons for dismissal
    • The role of Employment Tribunals
    • Who can help
    • The timescale for complaining
    • Entitlement to redundancy pay
  • Self-employment
    • Responsibility for keeping detailed records and paying tax and national insurance
    • The role of business link

Take Free Life in the UK Sample Test:

The www.prepareuktest.co.uk website helps you to prepare for the Life in the UK Test. This site provides you with the practical skills you need to take the British Citizenship Test.