Work UK
Living and Working in the UK
Arriving in your new UK community, it’s probably wise
to first listen and learn from those around you - your new employer
and workmates. They’ll be able to point you in the right
direction for such basics as where to get a great coffee, buy
personal items and find an ATM. But the more research you do
before you leave, the better off you’ll be in terms of
organizing your new life, once you get there.
Links
There are some great websites around which offer tips for working
and living in the UK.
Language
Just because the UK is an English speaking part of the world
- and you speak English - don’t expect that the language,
or you, will be instantly understood! You’ll need
to listen carefully and learn local accents and nuances and
even different word meanings. Check this site out for a few
examples.
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/vocabulary/australian_british_english.htm
And to help you learn more about work jargon in the UK, here’s
another good web page: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/jargonbuster/
Money and Budget
Want to open a bank account? Those who have been before you
report that it’s really difficult once you’re there.
So, it’s best to open a UK account before you leave Australia.
Check out www.getsetuk.com.au for
info. Or try your local HSBC branch as HSBC has offices in
the UK. London is an expensive city and the surrounding parts
are not much less so. So to make your pay work for you you’ll
need to budget carefully to allow for trips and outings.
Driving
You can use your Australian license in the UK for 1 year. After
that, you need to apply for a UK license. If you take a trip
to another country, while based in the UK, you’ll need
an International Drivers’ License. So have a chat with
the NRMA or RACV (for example) before you depart.
Health
It’s a good idea to find your self a local GP as soon
as you arrive, before you need one. Try http://www.nhs.uk/England/Doctors.
Once you’ve identified a local doctor, find out when the
surgery or clinic is open and what to do if you need help outside
of those hours. Familiarise yourself with local hospitals and
health care clinics – just in case. 999 is the number
to call in an emergency.
Safety
Just as you would in Australia, take precautions and be aware
of your surroundings in order to avoid getting into sticky
situations. Just like Mum used to say, don’t get into
a stranger’s car. If travelling on public transport,
sit near other passengers. Use a taxi if you’re in unfamiliar
territory and don’t feel confident. And never leave your
drink unattended. The UK is a pretty safe place by world standards – but
accidents can happen anywhere especially if you look like a
newcomer with no idea! So be sensible and take extra care
Manners
Don’t call Welsh, Scottish or Irish people "English"!
Give your British friends some personal space and don’t
be offended if they don’t initiate conversation. Start
with “safe” topics such as travel, family, weather,
music, pets and work. Try to avoid initiating social or small
talk with anything to do with someone’s weight, income,
jokes, gossip or religion. Remember that people from different
parts of the world have a different sense of humour. Listen,
learn and absorb before you start cracking jokes – and
it will help you to avoid being one!
Tipping
It’s usual, but not compulsory to tip in a café or
restaurant, a taxi, hairdresser or hotel. Just a pound or two
(or 10%) should do.
Religion
People in the UK are mainly Christian. However, they are free
to choose and follow their own religious beliefs. And many
do. There are Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Jewish communities plus
smaller groups of Baha'i, Buddhist, Jain and Zoroastrian people.
To find out more about where and when you can meet others of
your religious persuasion check out the message boards on http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion. Eating peas
To be very polite, you should eat peas by squashing them against the reverse
side of your fork.
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