Help! Question re NIN

I know I cannot apply for one until I reach the UK however I just read on another thread which said it takes 6-8 weeks to come in. From the time that you apply for the NIN and the time it takes to receive it are you eligible or not eligible to work?!?! What if you already have a job lined up and you arrive a week before?

you may start working before you are given an NI number, provided you may legally do so (via work permit, visa).

i didn't get my NI number until months after i started work. i think the guys in the payroll department used some sort of temporary NI number until i was officially assigned one.

that is helpful, thank you!

It only took me a few business days to get my NI number - I called on a Friday, the paperwork came by post on Tuesday, mailed it back Wednesday, got the number the following Monday. The number takes days, getting the card takes 6-8 weeks. You don't need the card, just the number.