Social Workers in UK

oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:14 am

 

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Social work job market in the UK is great. There is about a 15-20% vacancy rate in the field and getting a work permit shouldn't be much of a problem.

In London, to start, you will make at the minimum £28,000 (certainly enough to live comfortably if you share a flat or house).

Outside of london, salaries start as low as £20,000, but of course the cost of living is much lower.

Many councils are offering *golden handshakes* of £1000-5000 and retention bonuses of £1000/year. I get a lease car as part of my salary, plus they paid my relocation expenses and rent for 6 months.

**To all those who send PMs about this topic- sorry- have been away for a while, but if you still need the info, let me know**
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Lori

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pontcanna
New Member



Joined: 04 May 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Victoria, BC

Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 1:42 pm

 

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I've had a fair bit of experience working in the Probation field in the UK (SW qualification used to be a requirement for the job). I'm back in Canada now but am thinking of temp/permanent employment in the UK after my early retirement (could be as soon as next summer). There are a number of agencies that have shown an interest, so it could probably be done.I'd like to hear from any fellow "corrections" folk either in or thinking of moving to the UK.

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Sarah1983
Junior Member



Joined: 23 Feb 2008
Posts: 26
Location: Ontario

Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:19 am

 

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hey everyone! just wanted to update - i have been placed on the gscc as of thursday i'm very happy. it only took 6 weeks whereas i was expecting to hear from them in august.

i've been in touch with a recruitment agency since march-ish and now i'm wondering if that's the best route for me to go. does anyone have any information? they don't have much info on their site and my questions don't get answered when i email them. so i was wondering if it's really to my benefit to register with a recruitment agency of if i'll be able to locate jobs on my own.

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:49 am

 

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Sarah- congratulations of getting your registration so quickly.

If you decide to go with an agency, most employers will expect you do be able to "hit the ground running". Whereas if you hire on as a full time employee of a local authority, they are likely to give you training, support, and time to get settled.

ALthough agency workers get paid more, I think there are lots of reasons to take a FT post with an LA, the benefits, in my humble opinion, are greater than the extra money you get as agency.

You can probably find your own jobs yourself by visiting LA websites or try Community Care magazine http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/Default.aspx. CC will also alert you do current happenings in the field of social work in the UK so you can be knowledgable in interviews.

If you haven't done it already, I recommend reviewing the CHildren Act 1989 so you can discuss it fluently in interviews.

My personal experience with a recruiting agency was dreadful. Sounds like you aren't having much luck with yours either.

All the best.

(Feel free to PM me if you have other questions).
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Lori

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LinzLou
Junior Member



Joined: 15 May 2008
Posts: 14

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:47 am

 

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Just arrived in edinburgh.I am a counsellor/therapist looking for jobs, there are a tonne of social worker type positions here! Salaries, yes anywhere around 20-35 pounds.

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