loubie

Just a warning to anyone that requires a CRB check.....we returned from Australia in Decemember 09. I signed up with a nursing agency....the frist CRB got lost in the post and another submitted in early January. I since have a job in the NHS and have joined another agency....i have 3 checks in there at present and none back!!

The frustrating thing is that we sold our house in Aus......so we have some funds from that....which we were hoping to use as a deposit.....we are now having to live on that money as we are not entitled to any benefits, due to not paying NI.....and having some savings

Just thought it maybe useful for anyone returning.....also anyone got any tips about where i can take this......as its crazy! The work is there...but i cant work

lonndongeek

Have you tried your MP for wherever you're living now?

jaxslad

4/6 wks is the Norm..

Give them a call....they will let you know..

cathy22w

4-6 weeks is the norm, except if you're returning from living overseas it can take up to 3 months. Mine took about 11 weeks, and I got through savings needed for other things. Returning to the UK isn't all it's cracked up to be. Don't even get me started about the poxy council tax.........

jaxslad

So did'nt pay any property tax where you came from?

loubie

Thanks...i contacted the MP.....and they are on the case! Its so crap....that we have to eat through savings!! Its good to hear from other people in the same boat! But........it shouldnt be that hard in our mother country...i could have gone back and earnt some more money in Aus!!

Fleaflyfloflum

OH had the very same problem when we returned.

Also be aware with nursing agencies that you also have to complete induction courses before you can start work too!! This can be a right pain as you have to wait until the course dates come up.
I also dont understand why you have to go through repeated CRB checks for each agency. OH applied to 3 agencies and he had to go through and wait for the outcome 3 times.

loubie

yes its crazy.....and its thirty six pounds a time! The only one i havent had to pay for is the good old NHS!! Thanks for the agency advise!! Hopefully i can start work in the nhs first, as the induction there apparently will satisfy the nursing agencies!

Rodfan

Hi,
regarding claiming benefits on returning, such as job seekers, as I understand it, if you pass the Habitual Residency Test and are a British Citizen you should be able to claim. I could be wrong though...

Fleaflyfloflum

No you are not wrong.

If you are a British citizen you can claim, but we couldnt as my husband is a New Zealander who has just arrived on a spouse visa. Send a PM to BristolUK. He used to work for the DSS and has given a lot of helpful advice to people on this subject.

Anyone who will need a CRB for their field of work must factor the time it takes to complete the red tape, when budgeting your return.

loubie

We are not entitled to benefits because we have savings and have not paid national insurance for the past 4 years! We have been down that route....could get job seekers with no money but they will pay national insurance! Its crap!

Fleaflyfloflum

Oh i see, sorry, i didnt notice that you had savings.

What field of nursing are you in?

loubie

Mental health and learning disability!

Fleaflyfloflum

Well. what a coincidence. My husband is in mental health, but forensic phychiatry.

He is about to make the biggest career leap of his life being head of nursing within a prison.

What area of UK are u in? He used to get quite a bit of good work from one of the agencies he signed up with if you are anywhere near Essex i can PM you their details

loubie

Hi.....yes we live in North Essex......pm the details! That is a big leap!