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UK Earnings - Maximising your UK Contract Rates or UK Salaries

A very common question we get asked is “how much can I expect to earn in the UK?”

To ensure your UK earnings are enough for you to live on (with extra spending money for travel and adventure), the key is to investigate all the options open to you. Regardless of you’re past experience and the type of job you are aiming for, there are ways you can increase your UK earnings and things you should look out for.

Increasing your UK earning power!

You will likely find that you earn more once you have gained some UK experience in your industry and can add this to your resume. The good news is that you can still work, in most cases, in the UK without this country-specific knowledge under your belt when you arrive. There are also some key things you can do to increase your earnings in the UK.

Things you can do to increasing your UK Earnings

  1. Starting work in a job quickly after you arrive in the UK is a great way to maximise your earnings. To do this register with agencies before you leave home.
  2. Find a contract role through an agency where your hourly earnings are generally higher.
    (Also consider that there may be other advantages to working in Permanent employment such as paid
    vacation, training, car and private heath care)
  3. Ensure there is enough work for you industry when you plan to go. You can do this by keeping informed of the UK job market for your industry. Our free monthly e-newsletter has regular job updates.
  4. Are there any additional certifications or qualifications you might need? Getting a certification or completing a course or diploma can often add to your employability and increase your earning power.
  5. Find out if there are any specific skills used in the UK that you could brush up on before arrival. Visit your appropriate UK job industry page and see if there is a software package or system that could strengthen your resume before leaving home.
  6. Prepare to be flexible on location! While it is fairly obvious that this would increase your employability, it can also give you the opportunity to live in a cheaper region than central London or give you a wider selection of positions with higher pay.
  7. Be wise when renting a flat. Renting in the UK can be expensive. We all want to live somewhere nice but do not over extend your budget on rent as you could regret this later when you cannot afford that ski trip to Switzerland. Visit our working traveller accommodation page for more information.

Contract Rates & PAYE

When you are discussing pay rates with recruiters or potential employers, find out if the advertised rate is a Contract rate or Permanent salary. Some contractors may be able to claim certain expenses to legally minimise tax, as well as potentially earn a higher hourly amount. For more information read about PAYE and Managed Service Companies.

Comparative Earnings in the UK

In many industries, you can earn 20%-50% more (in dollar terms) in the UK than in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Because of the relative strength of the British Pound and the resultant exchange rate, many new arrivals panic at the low-looking numbers advertised for salaries. Don’t panic, Britons don’t do it too tough (except for the weather!) and have a very good standard of living on those ‘low-looking’ contract rates and salaries.

Keep in mind that pay rates in London tend to be higher than other cities and regions within the UK due to the higher cost of living.

What do jobs in my industry pay in the UK?

Because each job industry is so different, WORKgateways has put together pay rate and salary guidelines for each job industry in which WORKgateways assist with UK employment through our UK recruitment partners. Either click on the correct link for you below, or search current job listings for really up to date pay rate information!

Open-minded people make greater adventurers.

The UK is a different country and a different job market than home. Great opportunities often arise where you weren't necessarily expecting them. You'll do well to be open-minded about job location, job description and pay rates within your general preference guidelines. It is amazing what can be discovered.

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