well, so much for that idea

[winterbadger]

As I've mentioned elsewhere, it's occurred to me that as much as I love the UK, I might enjoy living and working there. But that's not very easy; the UK government really doesn't want people to move there unless they are bringing money and/or new jobs to the economy. So I got in touch with that part of my company that operates there, thinking it might be easier to come over as an employee of a compny with an established business there. This was the reply I received:

Jan

Unfortunately any vacancy we advertised we must under UK legislation attempt to fill with a UK or EU citizen, if we are not successful because the skills are in short demand or specialist skills in UK or EU we can recruit and apply for a work permit. Your skills set is not one which have a shortage in recruiting to therefore I am not able to take your application any further.

I wish you success in your job hunt.

Regards

Now, from what I've read, this is not true. But I know better than to bother arguing with HR people; even when they're wrong, they're right.

Well, back to square one.

Comments

[beckon.livejournal.com]

This is fairly standard and is how America does it as well. Unless there is an occupation with an explicit shortness.

However your biggest problem is that you are here. Rather then there. You should go there and apply, or attempt to fidn an American company that is hiring for people to go abroad.

[shy-kat.livejournal.com]

Bummer

Don't give up though!

[winterbadger]

Well, that's exactly what I thought I was doing by going to my company, an American company that has operations in the UK. UK law specifically exempts those jobs from the need for work permits.

The first piece of advice that every immigration firm in the UK gives is "Do not come here and try to get a job; get a job and *then* come over." In most cases, you cannot change your visa status while in the country--you'll have to leave the country and come back.

As we discussed last night, there's always the option of going and just working illegally. I really prefer to avoid schemes that involve the word "illegally" in them, however. :-)

[winterbadger]

I won't; I'm still waiting to hear back from Mr Russell (http://www.ukworkpermit.info/).

Interesting, looking for his webpage, I found this on him at another firm (http://www.furleypage.co.uk/PartnerProfile.aspx?PartID=71). Good quals!

[peaceful-fox.livejournal.com]

And even if those don't work, keep on trying. It might take a couple of years of searching for a job, but that would also give you a chance to get ready for a move. Remember, I know a lot about waiting to move to the UK. ;-) Also, you have contacts over here now, and if I see anything that I can recommend you for, I will. If you ever come to visit me in England (hopeful) I can introduce you to a lot of people - and sometimes those contacts can help with finding work in England and Scotland. In addition, I have single female friends here. ;-) Oh, and I can also be used as a personal reference from within the UK.

I *thought* I had a page of companies based in the US that also have offices in the UK, and if I manage to find it (I need it myself!) I will send it to you via email.

[winterbadger]

Thanks for the encouragement, Doreen! :-) I *do* know how much experience you have at all of this, and I'll be happy to call on it. :-) And I will be more than happy for any help you can give me with finding contacts (or nice ladies, though I wouldn't want anyone to think that I just loved them for their ability to get me a passort :-).