WORKING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

If you are looking for work in Northern Ireland

Visit JobApplyNI.com. It lists all current vacancies throughout Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres in Northern Ireland.
Detailed information can also be found through the Jobs & Benefits offices/JobCentres where you can check out the opportunities available. Each office operates a “self-service” facility where you can obtain details of all jobs on display. The network of 35 Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres offer a range of vacancy services for you which you can see on Services are also available to employers including advertising, recruitment events, sifting applications and interview facilities. Employers can submit and manage vacancies online and receive applications from potential employees which can be managed in one place through a user friendly interface at employersonlineni.com.

What is a National insurance number and do I need one?

Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number unique to you. It acts as a reference number when communicating with the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). If you don’t already have a National Insurance number you must apply for one when starting work or setting up as self-employed.

To apply you will need to telephone your nearest National Insurance Number Processing Centre to make an appointment. There are three Processing Centres.

Belfast – 028 9013 8286 (replace 028 with 048 if calling from Ireland)
Portadown – 028 3877 3046 (replace 028 with 048 if calling from Ireland)
Derry – 028 7185 5407 and 028 7185 5406 (replace 028 with 048 if calling from Ireland)

Alternatively you can telephone the National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0345 6000643.

Becoming self employed

If you are thinking of setting up your own business you can get assistance from INVESTNI. They offer business start-up guidance, one to one advice, training and some financial support. For advice about setting up a business in Northern Ireland please log on to http://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/starting.

Your rights as a worker

If you work in Northern Ireland you will normally have the following basic rights

To be paid the National Minimum wage
Not to have unlawful deductions from your pay
To working hours and holidays in line with legislation
To join a Tarde Union
To Health and Safety protection
Rights relating to pregnancy

Further information is available from the Department for Communities: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk and www.adviceguide.org.uk.

PAY

Every person is entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

DISCRIMINATION

Legislation protects employees from discrimination of different types. It is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, religious or political beliefs, disability or age. The Equality Commission enforces Northern Ireland’s equality legislation on disability, gender, racial equality, sexual orientation, age and equal pay. For more information visit: www.equalityni.org.

TAXATION

Tax credit payments are based on your current personal circumstances, such as whether you work, how many children you have and your annual income. The lower your income, the more tax credits you can get.

There are two types

Working Tax Credits – for those who work but are on a low income
Child Tax Credits – for those with responsibility for children

For further information please visit HM Customs and Revenue: www.hmrc.gov.uk which includes information on how to get started, who qualifies, allowances and entitlements.

CROSS BORDER WORKING

You are a frontier worker (sometimes called a cross border worker) if you work on one side of a border but live on the other, and return home daily or at least once a week. For further information please visit Frontier Workers Permit Scheme