Hi all,

I have had a look at some old threads but just want clarification.

My girl friend is currently studying a Masters and is looking for some part time work and looks like she may have some at a clothes shop.

I know as a student she is only allowed to work a certain number of hours etc but not sure what the situation is re NI number.
Does she apply for this before or after she gets a job?

Thanks

when i phoned the ni number line they said sa didnt need one iif not working, you only need one when you have a child to claim child benefit, and if you are going to work, the job centre in leicester said you need a letter of a job offer then they will arrange a interview to obtain a Ni number, thats what ive been told, anyone please correct me if this is wrong

quote:

Does she apply for this before or after she gets a job?

I would have thought she will encounter the usual chicken and egg situtation between employers and the DWP.
Employer: we won't give you a job until you give us your NI number.
DWP: we won't give you an NI number until you show us you need one.

My advice: Go to a couple of high street stores e.g. McDonalds, Tesco, Megabucks Starbucks, etc.. (it doesn't matter which ones)
Ask for an application form and fill in everything except the NI number. Then, book for an appointment for a NI number. Take the completed application form(s) along to interview as evidence you are actively looking for work.

At least, that's what worked for us.

Good luck.

Packpao

All Lek did was goto job centre and get them to print up 5 Jobs she could apply for and make the appointment For your NI and that was that they issued her with a temp one and hers arrived 5 weeks later. I do agree with you Packpao as that the majority of employers will not employ you without a NI, regardless of what the NI or Jobseeker people say. Lek went self employed as a cleaner and was making 12 pound an hour doing domestic cleaning in London for 7 people

Thanks guys, will call that number to try and get an interview, if it is a problem not having one already when she tries to get the job, I will take packpao's advice and get some applications and get it that way

Thanks

Scally

I have been experiencing similar problems. Tried to arrange an appointment for my wife in advance of her arrival in UK, but got the query about whether she has a job lined up or not. True, she will not look for work directly on arrival, but as someone else said, it's chicken and egg here. Given that getting these things take time, best to have it in advance than rely on the wheels of bureaucracy to move quickly. I have noted the hints here and will get her some application forms to fill in when she arrives, then chase up an appointment in the knowledge we are well armed.
Thanks for the heads up.

David&Em,

You could always submit an applcation for family tax credits, even if unsuccessful it will invoke the NI number procedure

quote:

Originally posted by IanB-UK:

You could always submit an applcation for family tax credits, even if unsuccessful it will invoke the NI number procedure

On another forum, Tigerite posted:

quote:

I tried this path, but upon calling the help desk (it seems like that's the only way to get a claim form) I had to give them full details about my salary, which they simply said was too high to get tax credits and so wouldn't send the form out. I originally tried to "skip" the step about giving my details, but they were adamant I had to go through it in order to continue. Anything else that can be done?

Thanks for the advice. I have a good job and a good salary so am sure I too won't get anywhere on the tax credit side.

David&Em,

No harm in trying though and you could post back here if successful or if had same problem as in Vinny's post.

Nok went in to the Job Centre Plus and asked for interview for NI number. Was told would organise and was later sent a letter with time and date of interview.

NI number issued a few weeks later.

I rang up the NI telephone number and made an appointment for my wife with no problems. All I said was she was looking for a job.

My wife took in one interview letter and they gave her an NI number. As simple as that.

Ask the clothes shop to write a two line " we are evry interested. Please attend an interview" letter on headed paper.

There is some rule that working less than 17 hours a week is part time and I am sure that if your wife does less than this she will be OK as a student.

Chock Dee