Living in the UK

Emergency numbers

Your first steps

• Register with a GP surgery near your home. You don't need proof of address, ID or immigration status to register. Source
• You may already have a National Insurance number – for example if you have a biometric residence permit or an eVisa. You can start work before you have one. Source

At work in hospitals and pharmacies

The law sets the minimum. Your contract can add to it – read it, and ask your employer when something is unclear.

• For sickness of 7 days or less you can self-certify. If you are off sick for more than 7 days in a row, your employer can ask for a fit note. Source
• You can't be made to work more than 48 hours a week on average, normally over 17 weeks. You can choose to opt out of this limit. Source
• Tip In your first week, ask how handovers work on your ward or in your pharmacy, and how colleagues and patients expect to be addressed.

What to watch out for

• You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or device, or to use BBC iPlayer. It costs £180 a year. Without one you can be fined up to £1,000. Source
• Carrying £10,000 or more in cash between Great Britain and a country outside the UK must be declared. Source
• Under the code of practice for international recruitment in England, candidates must not be charged recruitment fees. Source
• If someone offers you a visa or a job for a fee, or claims to be from the Home Office and asks for money, report it through GOV.UK. Source

Free help

• The GMC runs “Welcome to UK practice”, a free workshop for doctors new to UK practice. Source
• Citizens Advice gives free, independent advice. Source
• Acas gives free advice on workplace rights. Source

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