Employment
Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number, every person in the UK from age 16+ has an NI number. It is made up of numbers and letters, never changes, and is unique to you.
It is used to make sure that any tax and NI payments you make are added to your record.
Apply for a national insurance number
You can start work before you receive your NI number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.
Prove your right to work in the UK
If you are applying for benefits you do not need to apply separately for an NI number. The benefit team will start the process for you as part of your application; you will receive a text message to your phone which contains a link (URL) to apply for an NI Number on gov.uk. You must click the link and complete the application as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
You can prove you have the right to work in the UK by showing your employer your Biometric Residence Permit or the visa in your passport.
Employers must make Right to Work checks on all potential employees. Having an NI number is not part of these checks and does not prove that an individual has the right to work. The employer you want to work for will tell you what documents you need to show.
If you do not have an NI number, you can apply for one (this service is not translated). You are told which documents you need to provide when making your application.
Conversion of professional, academic and vocational qualifications
If you're looking to convert your qualifications you can find out more information here.
Helping you find employment
If you claim UC, your Job Centre work coach will provide support to help you move towards employment. Here are some resources available:
Can support residents to write a CV, search for jobs and develop interview skills. You need to register with Knowsley Works to access this additional support.
Is a city region initiative supporting long-term unemployed people.