LIVING & WORKING IN THE UK
Introduction
London has for years been one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live. We therefore urge anyone seeking work in the UK to prepare themselves fully before arriving and to come to the UK with realistic expectations. London is not a cheap place to live and prices are higher than elsewhere in Britain.
While it is a playground for some of the wealthiest people in the world, the reality of life in the capital is something quite different! From housing to the price of travelling to work every day, from going to the cinema or even just calling out a plumber - every aspect of life seems to be expensive.
Please note that 80% of registered accession country workers who arrived in the UK since May 2004 earned less than £6.00 per hour
Since May 2004, homelessness agencies in London have seen increasing numbers of Eastern Europeans who are destitute and homeless. They have come to the UK with the hope of finding work, but instead found themselves sleeping rough and relying on charities for food and support. These organizations are generally able to offer little help with accommodation and support, as many Eastern Europeans are not entitled to the welfare benefits needed to access these services.
*** PLEASE BE AWARE OF FRAUDSTERS! ***
If you don't speak English you run the risk of falling victim to exploitation from both English and Eastern European Fraudsters and Gang Masters. Easter European Nationals are often vulnerable to becoming victims of crime when forced to sleep on the streets or in squatted accommodation.
There have been MANY incidents where people have been promised jobs and accommodation in return for payment but on arrival in the UK nothing is organized and the people who have promised help have disappeared.
We therefore urge anyone seeking work in the UK to prepare themselves fully before arriving. It is far better and safer, to take time and make appropriate preparations before you travel rather than failure.
