Moving to the UK to pursue a job in nursing is an exciting career move and comes with a wealth of perks and opportunities for growth. However, there are unfortunately a few scams that you should be aware of before you start your job search. In this blog, we provide an overview of these scams and how to avoid them.
Before continuing this blog, please be advised that workers from red list countries are not currently permitted to work in the UK.
Fees
Being asked to pay an extensive fee in order to work in the UK’s health and social care sector.
Deceiving job offers
When the job you were offered is not the same as the one given to you upon arrival to the UK. For example, the working conditions are poor or the hours are longer than anticipated.
WhatsApp scam
There have been reports of illegitimate ‘agents’ using WhatsApp to ask overseas candidates for money to be put on waiting lists for care roles. Others have been victim to a similar scam whereby you will be asked for money in return to be put in contact with healthcare recruitment ‘agents’.
Visa scam
Some scammers may suggest getting a full-time health or social care job in the UK using a student visa, exploiting the limited working hours (20 hours per week) to bypass the legal requirements for employment in the UK.
Dodgy contracts
There is an extremely high repayment clause in your contract meaning money you would owe if you were to leave your job within a certain time period.
Impersonation
Be vigilant of people pretending to be calling from the UK Visa and Immigration office. They may request money and threaten to cancel your visa if you don’t pay. Remember, no official organisation will call or email you asking for bank details.
Fraudulent qualifications
A number of illegally practising companies may offer to sell you a fake language certification or change your score so that it’s a pass. While this might seem tempting at the time, it’s not worth the risk. You will likely be found out and/or lose your money.
Identity theft
When you share personal information such as date of birth, age or bank details to an ‘employer’ and they use this to commit identity theft (e.g. using your identity to take out a loan or make purchases under your name).
How can I avoid these scams?
Being aware of these forms of exploitation is the first step, but you should also consider the following before accepting a job offer:
Research the company - is it real? You can do this via the Companies House website. This is only necessary for private organisations e.g. outside of the NHS.
Research some more - check if the recruitment agency/employer you’ve been in contact with has been involved in any scams.
Does the salary you’re being offered match the typical salary for the same role?
Verify if your employing organisation possesses the necessary license to hire overseas workers by referring to the register of licensed sponsors.
We hope you found this blog useful and we wish you all the best on the big career move! Unfortunately, MCM Medical is currently unable to offer sponsorship but our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have! Send us an email today at info@mcmmedical.co.uk.
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