Workers registration form (until May 2009)

From 1 May 2004, most nationals of the new A8 member states working in the UK will be subject to the Accession State Worker Registration Scheme. Nationals from these countries will have to register if they are planning to work for more than 1 month for an employer in the UK.

 

Who has to register?

 

You will have to register if you are a national of one of the new A8 Member States and:

• You start a new job on or after 1 May 2004.
• You have been working in the UK before 1 May 2004 without authorisation/in breach of you immigration conditions.
• You are working on a short term basis or temporary basis.
• You are a student who is also working.

 

You will not be subject to the worker registration and there fore do not need to register if one or more of the following applies:

• You are self employed.
• You have been working legally in the UK at the time of 1 May 2004 and stayed in the same job after 1 May 2004.
• You were issued with leave to enter the UK before 1 May 2004 to work as a seasonal agricultural worker on or after 1 May 2004.
• You are providing services in the UK on behalf of an employer who is not based in the UK.
• You are also a citizen of the UK, another EEA State.
• You are a family member of an EEA national.

 

When should I apply?

 

You should register as soon as you start a new job. If you do not apply within one month of starting a job, your employment will be illegal after that. It will be illegal until you are issued a registration certificate.

 

How do I apply?

 

You must complete a WRS Application Form, giving your name, address, date of birth, nationality and employment details.

To get an application form and more information telephone: 08705210224 or visit: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

The first time you apply you must send the following along with the application form:

• A letter from your employer confirming your employment.
• Two passport photographs.
• Your passport or ID card and
• The payment (please refer to the web address above for the current charge).

 

What happens next?

 

If your application is successful, you will be sent the following documents:

A Registration Card.

• This includes all your personal details and a unique reference number. The registration card is valid for as long as you are registered on the scheme.

A Registration Certificate.

• This is in the form of a letter. This authorises you to work for the employer named in your application. A copy will be sent to your employer. This certificate expires the day you stop working for the employer named on the certificate.

Your Passport or ID Card.

If your application is not successful, your money will be refunded.

 

What should I do if I change jobs?

 

If you change jobs, you must apply for a registration certificate under the Worker Registration Scheme authorising you to work for your new employer.

You must quote the reference number on your registration card and provide all the required details for the new employer.

You do not have to pay again.

 

Can I have more than one job at a time?

 

Yes, but you must apply for a registration certificate for each employer you are working for.

 

Who is my employer?

 

Your employer is the person who directly pays your wages or salary.

 

What should I do if I lose my registration card or certificate?

 

You should contact the Worker Registration Team.

What are the benefits of registering on the Worker Registration Scheme?

Once you have been working legally in the UK for 12 months, without interruption, you will have full free movement rights and will no longer need to register on the Worker Registration Scheme. You can get EEA residence permit confirming you right to live under European Community law.

 

What counts as 12 months "uninterrupted" work?

 

"Uninterrupted work" means that you must not be out of work for more than a total of 30 days in 12 months. You will need your registration certificates and other evidence of employment to show 12 months uninterrupted employment.

 

Can I take time off work?

 

Yes, but your time off work must be paid as holiday and not while you are working.

For advice about the WRS, including completing the application form, please contact the Worker Registration Team from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

 

Telephone: 0114 207 6022

Fax: 0114 207 6023

Email: WRS@ind.homeoffice.gsi.giv.uk