Live in Care work and life in the United Kingdom
GENERAL TRAVEL
It may come as surprise, but you do not have to carry any form of ID in the UK, and you can travel without your passport or driving licence.
Travel in the UK is expensive, so you need to plan your journeys for both convenience and economy. If you are planning a trip to London, enquire about a London Travel card. This card allows travel at reduced rates on underground, bus, and local train services in an area of London for a day, a week, a month, or periods of up to a year. Weekend travelcards are valid for two days over a weekend.
By Train
There is no longer a single company responsible for the railways. Instead, the track and signalling equipment belongs to one organisation, and the responsibility for the rolling stock and running the trains has been broken into a number of franchises, each covering a part of the rail network. Confused? So are the train users.
To find the times of trains you can ask at the nearest station, ring National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7484950 or, best of all, visit the www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Remember to ask for a receipt when you buy your ticket because the ticket itself will be retained by any automatic barrier at your destination. A receipt of your ticket will also get you reimbursed by your agency or client if traveling for work.
By Tube
For enquiries about the London Underground, ring 0207 222 1231 or visit the www.tfl.gov.uk.
By Coach or Bus
Finding information about coach or bus travel is more difficult than for rail travel but try www.nationalexpress.com. National Express also runs coaches between the various London airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
By Taxi
If you need a taxi but do not know the phone number of a local taxi company, ring 118247 or 118118. This will connect you with a Yellow Pages service which can give you the information. (There is a charge for such call) A tip of 10% of the fare is normal in the UK. Do not forget to ask for a receipt which covers both the fare and the tip.
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By Car
You must have a valid car license and suitable insurance before you can drive your own car, a hire car or the Client’s car in the UK. If your car license is issued in one of the European Economic Area countries (a “Community Licence”), you may use it indefinitely. Otherwise, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) (see www.theaa.com) which remains valid for 12 months after you enter the UK., see Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk). Using your own vehicle for transporting a Client is not recommended unless you are insured for business use. Make sure you get a map and allow sufficient time for your journey. All distances shown on road signs are in miles (one mile=1.6 km).
Do not attempt to drive into or through the centre of London on weekdays because, quite apart from the high traffic density, a compulsory Congestion Charge operates. There is more information on www.cclondon.com.
The wearing of seat belts in both front and rear seats is compulsory. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless it is set up for hands-free use.
Remember, petrol stations in the UK are entirely self service; there are no attendants to check your oil and coolant.
Some basic rules when driving (for more detailed information, buy the booklet "The Highway Code"):
- In Europe, only the UK, Ireland and Malta drive on the left.
- The standard speed limits are:
In built-up areas: 30 mph (48 km/h) but sometimes less at accident black spots
On single carriageway roads: 60 mph (97 km/h).
On dual carriageway roads and motorways: 70 mph (113 km/h).
- Give way to traffic coming from your right. At roundabouts, this means that a vehicle already on the roundabout has priority over one entering.
- Only overtake a slower vehicle by passing it on its right hand side.
- At traffic lights, filter lanes to left or right are also controlled by lights. You are not allowed to filter left against a red light, even it seems safe to do so.
- If you are stopped by the police, they will probably check the roadworthiness of the vehicle and ask you to show the vehicle's documents and your driving licence.
If you do not have these to hand at the time, you are allowed five days to show them at any police station.
Roadworthiness includes: (VRT)
- The condition of the tyres, i.e. correctly inflated, with sufficient tread (at least 1.6mm depth) and free from cuts and damage.
- The condition of the exhaust system, i.e. intact, with no holes.
- All lights working.
- Windscreen, lights and number plates clean.
To be road legal, the car must have the following documents:
- A valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc, "tax disc"; this has to be displayed on the windscreen and shows the expiry date.
- A valid Ministry of Transport Test Certificate, "MOT certificate". This confirms that the vehicle passed its last annual roadworthiness test.
- A valid Certificate of Insurance confirming that the vehicle is covered by either "third party" or "comprehensive" insurance.
- For you to be allowed to drive a vehicle, you must have a valid driving license. You can use your license from your home country for up to 12 months from your date of entry to the UK). An International Driving Permit is not essential providing your license includes a photograph.
Client's Car
You may find that your Client has a car and expects you to drive them to the doctor, to go shopping or just to have an outing. In this case, the Agency requires the Client (or his representative) to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained, road legal and suitably insured for you to drive.
Assuming you adhere to the rules of the road while driving, an out of date tax disc is the most likely reason for your being stopped by the police. A glance at the date on the tax disc on the windscreen will confirm whether it is valid. Before driving away, how about checking the fuel level and asking what fuel the vehicle requires, e.g. lead free petrol or diesel?
BANKING
Although your travelling expenses may be paid in cash when you arrive at the Client, you will still need a bank account into which you can pay your Client's/Agency's cheques and from which you can draw cash.
Ideally, before you left home, you will have opened a UK account through a local branch of a UK bank or an offshore account. This will save you the inconvenience of trying to open one when you arrive.
Banks have to adhere to the strict Anti-Money Laundering Regulations required by the Financial Services Authority. The main problem for new Carers is to demonstrate that they have a UK address. If you are planning to stay with friends or relatives who are prepared to let you use their address for statements etc., you should explain the situation to the bank. This may be accepted provided you have a Council Tax or utility bill with your friend's name and address on and a letter confirming that you are living at that address. You will also need your passport, a letter or validated (stamped by bank) statement from the bank in your home country, less than three months old, confirming that you have an account with them (ideally, it should be sent to you at your friend's address). A letter to a named individual at the bank from the Agency confirming that you are registered with them may be required. It may also be helpful to take the Police Clearance Certificate from your home country.
Remember to allow five working days after paying in a cheque before attempting to withdraw the cash. Provided you have sufficient funds in your account, you can withdraw money through an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) using your Debit Card.