Questions regards UK Job market...

Hi all,

I've a few questions about the UK Job Market, and was hoping I might pick your brains a bit [8D], as I am hoping (next year) to be diving into that market.

How much does pay differ between development dba work and production support?

What would typical SQL Server DBA pay range be, for permanent, with 5 years experience, in London? What would be low range and what would be high?

What are standard benefits / terms in the UK, like leave, pension, notice period etc.?

Very broadly, can anyone give me a rough indication of what I might expect Tax and other deductions to do to my salary? (For example, where I currently am, I can plan on taking about 56% of my monthly pay home, and tax, pension, etc. etc.)

Any hints that anyone can give me regards agencies, do's and don'ts, etc. etc.?

Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Thanks Frank, Satya (btw - congrat's on the 8000th post, Satya [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' />] )<br /><br />Since my initial plans is to do 18 months or so, unless we feel like settling, I guess contracting seems like the samrt route to go.<br /><br />Frank, I'll try and PM you as soon as I can remember my password [:0] - I have forgotten my password *blushes*<br /><br />Thanks for the links Satya. It looks like DBA jobs seems to start from 30K, and max at around 60K, from what I've seen so far...<br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Hi Regan,

Is this the same Regan who worked for a large bank in SA?

As Frank said, I have just changed jobs. The market for DBA's is quite strong here. Took me a week and had two offers for good salary.
The low bracket would be 30-35k a year. There are a lot of companies offering that. The mid is 40-45 with a lot of offers. The high end is 45-60 with a couple out there.

There is also a bit of contracting work. Low would be 200 a day, high would be 450 a day. The mid-high contracts and a bit scarce.

Having looked at you profile, I would say go for 40+. There are many and easy to get.

When you planning on coming?

CHeers,
Crispin

Thanks again then, Frank..

Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Crispin, thanks for the response, and the added info.<br /><br />Well I do work for a bank in SA (large only by nature of our overseas owner, though), but I'm not sure if this isn't a coincidence...<br /><br />I'm starting the whole process now - roughly thinking of getting into the UK around May next year (I know it's a long way away, but like any DBA, I like to plan in advance .... when I can [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' />] ).<br /><br />Thanks for the pointers on the rates etc. - I know it's a long way in advance, but I'm guessing that we can expect salaries to probably be in that range (maybe +5%) next year, so I want to start planning on that now). Friends I have over there seemed to indicate I can expect to be spending in the region of 1500 a month on rental, food and transaport (that was in Zone 2) - does that seem about right? Just started getting hold of local consulate to begin process of getting Ancestry visa, etc.<br /><br />If you got the time, and have things you can recommend/point out, having specifically come from South Africa, I'd really appreciate it if you send an email...<br /><br />Thanks all...<br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Sure, drop me an email. crispin.proctor@gmail.com

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Cheers,
Crispin

Have you seen this?
I have found a great job site, check out www.jobsetgo.com

<<The low bracket would be 30-35k a year. There are a lot of companies offering that. The mid is 40-45 with a lot of offers. The high end is 45-60 with a couple out there.>>

Is that dollars or pounds?

That would be in Pounds




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Cheers,
Crispin

Time advances, and this is coming on me soon now. Could be in the UK within about 4 months, or maybe even sooner.

If anyone has a moment to comment on the following questions, I would appreciate it
Never having been a contractor, I'm a bit uncertain as to how to approach it in the UK, especially given the "IR35" legislation. From what I've read, is seems that the way to go is via "unbrella companies" - is that accurate? If so, can anyone recommend any good ones?

Also, if anyone can comment on contract rates at the moment - does the range from 200+ all the way up to 600 per day still sound accurate?

What is the typical company approach to overtime and the working week like in the UK? No paid overtime? Standby ? 40 hour week? Are London based companies open to flexitime?

cIAo

Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

[V] Long reply and it lost it due to bad pasword![V]

Umbrella companies are handy but can hurt your takings.
I had a contact a while back. I was loosing £8 an hour due to tax and their fee.
Not sure how that was broken down as I did not take the contract.
Most agencies who find you a contract will either have or know of an umbrella company to sort this out.

Not sure what the IR35 is though.
Have a look athttp://www.1stcontact.co.uk/live/index.php
They have some decent info / services.


When you planning on coming?

Cheers,
Crispin

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Cheers,
Crispin

Pity about the lost long reply <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-6.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />I'll have a look at that site now, thanks.<br /><br />Planning on getting there between 1 and 10 May, unless I can get an offer before that. I've uploaded CV to Monster and Jobserve and made it searchable.<br /><br />We are getting very busy now, arraniging house for rental, going through tons of Job, CV and housing websites, trying to figure out what we can do in advance to make it easier for us when we arrive, etc.<br /><br />Crappy, if you are willing to give me some comments, I'll pop you a copy of my most up to date CV sometime soon. I think you'll recognize quite a bit of the format <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />Still loopking for as much info, hints and advice as possible - thanks to all for the info so far!<br /><br />ciao for now<br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Department of Home Affaris. To see if we want you <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />As far as jobs go:<br />www.cwjobs.co.uk<br />www.jobserve.com<br /><br />Those two have been the best for me.<br /><br />For temp accomodation, www.gumtree.com would be a place to find a rental until your more sorted.<br /><br />But Frank, First see if you allowed <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Crispin<br /><br />.<br />Cheers,<br />Crispin

Regan,

No worries. Send away.

Not to pop your bubble but do not expect a offer from abroad.
I tried that and although you get a lot of interest, no on will commit without seeing you in person. It's an issue I had before I made the move. You could however set up losts of leads and "friends". That seemed to work.

Cheers

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Cheers,
Crispin

Crispin,<br /><br />Pretty much what I expect - not expecting to get anything, but obviously if it happens then great. Plan is to try and get as much exposure, and if possible, interviews, lined up for soon after I arrive.<br /><br />Budgetting-wise I have prepared for 4 months without a salary. After that... well, who knows.<br /><br />Getting somewhere to stay without a job seems to be a bit challenging, but I have found 1 site (url is at home) that will do short-term letting.<br /><br />Absa seem to think they will be able to open a Barclays account for me, from here. That should help.<br /><br />Keep the adive coming <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

hey, when the sun is shining here I call this home. When it's shining in South Africa I call that home. So, more there thank here <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' /><br /><br />Go to www.goverment.co.uk/allowFrankTheGerman.aspx [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' />]<br /><br />.<br />Cheers,<br />Crispin

beegoo? Ok, I'm a bit confused, Crispin [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' />]<br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

On a vaguely related note (please forgive the digression), any suggestions regards internet connectivity, etc. Looks like there are a few 8 MB/s, but they seems to all state that those speeds depend on you location. Is 2 MB/s standard - can I expect to get that pretty much anywhere in London? Will I have issues trying to get it installed, or is it relatively simple? (In SA it is a nightmare trying to get the monopolist national telecom's company to do things, and frequently takes 2months+)

Any recommendations on cellphone, carriers etc.

Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

he he. That's the cool part.
I have a slow connection. 2MB. Took a week to setup and install.
Depending on location, most places now support 8MB while some support 12 and 24MB.
Have a look at bulldog.com I think.

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Cheers,
Crispin

Thanks Crispin.



Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Anybody heard anything about "e-search" ? I just got email from them, via my monster listing, but don't know anything about them. They are say they have

quote:
We currently have a role with a key client for which you are very suitable.

This is a highly profitable, growing company and this is an opportunity to develop and move up rapidly. Excellent working environment.

Can you please send a Word CV and call me on either of the numbers below or mail me with a phone number?

but I've heard stories of recruitment agencies "farming CV's", so I'm a bit unsure as to whether I should just send the CV. Thought's? Should I push for info on the job itself?

Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

yup, spam in a sense.
I get around 10 such mails a day. Normally ignore them.
When I was looking (Boss, if you reading this I am not any more) I used to reply to them as sometimes they had a lead.

Might be worth your while just to respnd as they may just keep your name for the future.

Other than building hope and irratating, they seem harmless...

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Cheers,
Crispin

Thanks Crispin.<br /><br />Well, I've asked them for more info, and given them some about my timings, but I want to avoid giving them my CV, for now. I've heard that I should only have my CV with 1 firm at a time, to avoid issues where it gets submitted for the smae job, via 2 different agencies?<br /><br />Will all agents contact me before submitting my CV (assumming they have it [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt='' />])? Might be a silly question, but I've never used a recruitment agency before...<br /><br />Panic, Chaos, Disorder ... my work here is done --unknown

Yes, to my knowledge I have not had a CV submitted without my knowledge (Sounds dumb now that I right it. HA HA)

All companies I know of here hate the agencies and expect it to be sent twice. The normal question is "Has anyone else spoken to you about this?" I have had it two or three times where two people trying to speak to the same company but CV has never been sent by the latter.

Go on, send it. Get your name known.,..

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Cheers,
Crispin