Getting a work permit

Question

I am looking for a job and have noticed that many adverts state that the applicant should already have a work permit or be eligible to stay and work in the UK.

I thought it was the employer who applied for a work permit on behalf of the employee. Therefore, I don't understand how it would be possible to already have a work permit prior to applying for a job.

What the expert says

Lesley Reynolds, chief executive, Portfolio International

!](#)	-

As a result of a number of high-profile police raids in restaurants and hotels within the industry recently, you will find employers are checking thoroughly whether their staff are entitled to work in the UK. There are some very good websites [www.workpermits.gov.uk](http://www.workpermits.gov.uk) and [www.homeoffice.gov.uk](http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk) Á¢Â€Â"Á‚ which will give you all the information you need about the permits required to work in the UK. Occasionally employers will help candidates get a work permit, but the skills that this candidate offers have to be unique and not readily available in the local market. For further information, see our career advice article on [coming to work in the UK.