New to the UK hospitality job scene, want to know what a catering or chef job might entail, or whether you can work in a UK hotel. Our FAQs can help

Q Is a working visa necessary if I hold another passport?

Yes, you must have a valid working visa for the UK. These are ONLY AVAILABLE....

1. If you are a Commonwealth citizen under the age of 27, then you can get a 2-year working holiday visa.

2. If one of your grandparents was British you can get a 4-year working visa regardless of age.

3. If you are a US or Canadian student under 27 (or have graduated within 6 months) please contact the BUNAC organisation in Connecticut who can arrange a 6 months BUNAC Visa.

Q Can I work in the UK if I am from outside the EU (other than above)?

NO! The JobSwop Team cannot assist you in finding work here.

Q How much time can I work for?

A working visa entitles you to work full time for half of your visa time. Therefore on a two year visa, you can work full time for one year, but this can be split into blocks of time, i.e. you could work for 3 months, travel for 6 months and then return and work for between 1 and 9 months.

Q Should I call or before I travel?

You can telephone or Email the JobSwop Team from your home country; alternatively you can contact us on arrival in the UK but bear in mind that it may take a few days to locate a job for you. Our advice is to give yourself plenty of time and do not rush things.

Q How easy is it to get a job?

Depending on your requirements it usually takes very little time to find you a job

Q Do I need hotel experience?

Although useful, it is not absolutely necessary. Your personality and ability to work well with people is more important.

Q How much will I be paid?

This varies between hotels, but there are three levels of minimum wage, and the rates from 1st October 2006 are:

•   £5.35 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
•   A development rate of £4.45 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive
•   £3.30 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age.

This would in most cases include free food but employers are entitled to charge a set amount for accommodation.

Q What do I need for work wear?

Some hotels have their own uniform requirements but to be safe we recommend you bring the following: -

Men need 2 pairs of dark (ideally blue or black) smart trousers, several white collard shirts and a pair of smart black shoes. Women need 2 dark skirt (ideally blue or black or to long to short) or 2 pairs of trousers 2 white shirt and a pair of smart low-heeled black shoes.

Q How long are the assignments for?

Most hotels need people for between 3 to 6 months depending on the time of year. If you arrive in the UK at Easter, hotels will be looking for a 6-month commitment, however if you arrive in July then 3 months will be acceptable. This is not set in stone and there are some hotels looking for shorter periods. If you are looking for longer-term employment then it does not matter when you arrive but a longer lead in time to find you the right job would help us considerably.

Q Where are all the jobs located?

All over the UK but if you are looking for work between the months of March and October the following areas are the most likely. Devon and Cornwall, Lake District, Wales, Scotland, and holiday resorts such as Brighton, Torbay, Bournemouth, Weymouth, New quay,

Q Do I have to go for an interview?

In most cases the interview will be conducted on the phone. If all goes well on the phone you will probably be offered a one-week trial. It is very rare for people to fail the trial period, but if you do not like the job you are obviously free to leave.

Q Can I contact The JobSwop team whenever I want?

Contact us whenever you need help and we will do our best no matter how obscure your request!

Q Can we apply as a couple or even a group of travellers?

However you travel there is normally somewhere to place you. Single travellers are very easy to place. Couples sharing a room or two girls/two boys are also in demand. Groups of more than three are a little harder but can normally be placed in nearby hotels.