Working in Human Resources

In a highly evolved market antipodeans are carving out a name for themselves

Despite a recent fall in advertised roles, the demand for human resources professionals in the UK is strong as organisations go through structural changes. London based companies have awoken from a long slumber and are recognising the benefits of employing highly skilled Australasian human resources professionals.

We have helped hundreds of people into UK human resources jobs with some of the best employers - hot companies like Skype, Vodafone, Barclays, Credit Suisse and BP. We understand the market and want to help you realise your potential. This page gives you some background on how and why the UK is such a great place.

Where people are getting work

Banking and Professional Services are the big hirers… and they’re looking for big guns

With these two industries employing over 40% of the human resources professionals we assist in the UK they easily outstrip other employers. These guys are intensely interested in retaining their staff. They are willing to spend on human resources staff – who they need to attract and retain the best talent. It’s a war and they all want to win it.

That said they have a major preference toward people with experience in these areas and as we discuss later they want professionals motivated towards getting a qualification.

Lots turn their hand to the public sector… it doesn’t tarnish your reputation

To get that all-important toe-hold in the UK market and get experience the public sector can be the ideal springboard. It’s not all home-spun cardies, long socks, and roman sandals in London, with the public sector often leading the way in dynamic HR practices.

What people earn and how it stacks up

The general rule of thumb is you will get more in the UK

More money, more experience and more recognition when you return home. Generally speaking pay rates are better in the UK and you can expect to earn 30% or more than what you are currently getting. The majority of roles taken are contract roles (the table below converts these contract rates into yearly rates) so if you don’t work for a full year don’t be surprised if you don’t get as much money.

Your UK experience is also viewed really positively back in the home country on your return - particularly if you can get a longer-term contract as this demonstrates a real commitment.

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As discussed above the strong demand for human resource generalists within banking or professional services firms are the best payers in the London market. In the public sector the rates are a lot lower.

To find out your UK market worth, contact one of our consultants today.

Things you need to know to make the most of it

Helpful hints for the uninitiated

When you’re going over to the UK and looking for that elusive first job, there are some things you need to know:

• The market for human resources is ultra competitive so be prepared to wait a while for a first job
• Employers can be really pedantic on knowing UK employment law and we suggest that you read up about it (see the section below)
• Employers will consider those with Bachelor degrees with HR industrial relations background, as well as HR degrees
  
  

Read up on UK employment law - a little goes a long way

In the UK there is a strong human resources professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The CIPD offers Chartered professional membership that is gained after your tertiary study (a bit like becoming a Chartered Accountant).

To get the best jobs in the UK you will often need to be a Member of the CIPD or at least be studying towards it. So if you want a good job be prepared to work for it.

We recommend you check out their website and read some of the really helpful resources that they have there. Boning up on UK employment law or the latest developments in the market prior to your first interview will certainly enhance your chances.

Summer is sticky - get there before the graduate recruitment rounds

There is a massive slow down over summer across all employment in London however this is even more pronounced in human resources.

A lot of graduate recruitment takes place in March – so arriving before then if you have a recruitment background can be helpful.

Kiwis find the transition a little easier

New Zealanders may find the transition easier as legislation and the industrial environment is similar.

The Tier 5 visa may rule you out of agency based roles

In the UK it is all about building a candidate base and client relationships. Your ability to do this on a Tier 5 visa is limited. You would be better off getting a Tier 1 visa if you can.

Look at our visa information page for more on Tier 1 vs Tier 5 visas.

Contract roles are abundant

A whopping 91% of the human resource professionals we help engage in contract assignments when they arrive in the UK. There are loads of contract opportunities available, particularly for HR Administrators.

If you want anything more senior you will have to entertain permanent roles (there is an even split between how many permanent and contract roles the agencies will have). You will also need to get more familiar with the CIPD.

There’s plenty of work in the city so travel is not a big issue

Most of the contracts tend to be located in the City of London as this is where the big banks and professional service firms are located. The public sector work is concentrated around the councils, like Camden, Hackney and Greenwich which are all close to the central city as well.

Register with us now and take the next step in your career.