Work in UK

If you are a British citizen, a Swiss national or a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) you do not need our permission to work in the United Kingdom.

The EEA includes these countries:

Austria
Belgium
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU). However, the European Economic Area Agreement gives nationals of these countries the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.

From the 1 June 2002, Swiss nationals have had the same rights as EEA nationals within the United Kingdom. They can work without a work permit.

The Immigration and Nationality Directorate cannot help people find jobs or provide information about tax or National Insurance contributions. For help finding work, contact Job Centre Plus. This is part of the Department of Works and Pensions.

For information on National Insurance and tax contributions, you should contact the Inland Revenue.

Position for New Member States - Workers Registration Scheme

The statement by the Home Secretary to Parliament on 23 February announced that workers from the new member states must register with the Home Office.

From 1 May 2004 nationals from New Member States will be free to come to the United Kingdom. Nationals from Malta and Cyprus will have full free movement rights and are not required to obtain a workers registration certificate.

Nationals from the following new member states; Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic who find a job in the United Kingdom are required to apply to register with the Home Office under the new 'Worker Registration Scheme' as soon as they find work.

More detail (source) at: http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk