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Frequently Asked Questions:

May I drive in Great Britain using a driving licence from my own country?

What is a National Insurance Number?

How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?

How can I open a bank account?

Where can I find English classes?  What is ESOL?

I would like to use a computer, but I don’t have one. Cyber cafés are expensive. Is there anywhere cheaper?

I am marrying an EU citizen, how does this affect my status?

What is the Workers Registration Scheme? Do I need to apply? Where can I get an application form?

Where can I buy food from my country in King’s Lynn and surrounding area?

I am thinking about starting a business in the UK, where can I get information and advice?

Is there any organisation like yours in Southampton?

How can I find out if my employer is following the law for health and safety?
 

 

May I drive in Great Britain using a driving licence from my own country?

You can find all the information you need about licences at www.dvla.gov.uk   Don’t forget you must have insurance, road tax and MOT if the car is more than three years old.

 

What is a National Insurance Number?

A National Insurance Number (NIN) is a personal reference number. It is not a proof of identity. You are legally obliged to apply for and be registered with a NIN when you work in the UK. An employer should not refuse to offer you employment because you have not yet been given a NIN. The NIN records the National Insurance Contributions you pay. You may claim a benefit without NIN, although having it does not automatically entitle you to receive any benefit.

 

How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?

You may ring telephone number 08456000643 and ask for interpreter if you need one.
When you make the appointment, you will need to give this information:

- your full name
- date of birth
- date of arrival in the UK
- the name of your employer
- your current address in the UK and anywhere else you have lived since arriving in the UK

Tell them if you can’t speak much English and will also need an interpreter at the interview.

 

How can I open a bank account?

To open a bank account you will need documents to prove who you are and where you live. Different banks ask for different document but generally you will need:

- an official document which includes a photograph, such as a passport or identity card

- proof of your address in the UK; this is usually a driving licence or a gas, electricity or telephone bill or a letter from Inland Revenue (Tax office) about your tax code with your current address on it

 

UK banks include:

NatWest www.natwest.com
HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk
Barclays www.barclays.com
Lloyds TSB www.lloydstsbgroup.co.uk
Halifax www.halifax.co.uk
Bank of Scotland www.bankofscotland.co.uk
Abbey National www.abbeynational.plc.uk
Co-operative Bank www.co-operativebank.co.uk

 

Where can I find English classes? What is ESOL?

ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages. Probably these are the classes you want. For information and contact details about classes in King’s Lynn, click here.

If you are looking for English classes that are not in King’s Lynn, ask about it in your local library.

 

I would like to use a computer, but I don’t have one. Cyber cafés are expensive. Is there anywhere cheaper?

You can use a computer for free at your local library. You don’t have to be a member, but you probably will need to book the computer in advance. You will get a temporary card but it’s easier if you became a member of the library. This is also free, you will only need to show proof of your address, a gas bill for instance.

 

I am marrying an EU citizen, how does this affect my status?

All the information about rules, regulation and application forms for people marrying EU citizens is on the web site: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

What is the Workers Registration Scheme? Do I need to apply? Where can I get an application form?

Under the Workers Registration Scheme people from Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic have to register with the Home Office when they find work in the UK.

To get an application form and more information, telephone:
08705 210 224 or download it from the web site: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

 

Where can I buy food from my country in King’s Lynn area?

For a list of shops and associations click here.

 

I am thinking about starting a business in the UK, where can I get information and advice?

For  free help and advice please contact www.nwes.org.uk   - NWES - Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Service.
Address: Bishops Lynn House, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JW
Tel: 0845 60 99 991

There are also offices based in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Thetford and North Walsham. Please Contact NWES to find out more information. Or you can

Call Business Link on 08457171615, Business Link can help you with any of your business needs. Their support is independent and most services are free of charge.

 

Is there any organisation like yours in Southampton?

Yes, there is an organisation in Southampton, which provides free advice , unfortunately they offer advice only in polish language. You can find out all information on their website www.sospolonia.net

 

How can I find out if my employer is following the law for health and safety?

You can get all necessary information on this web site
www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/index.htm.