FAQs (for employers)
Q: What happens if a member of staff recruited through Caring People leaves after a few months?
A: We provide a no-quibble three-month “guarantee” meaning that if an employee placed with you by Caring People leaves within three months, we will provide a replacement free of charge.
Q: I am concerned about the ability of overseas staff to communicate in English with our service users. How can you reassure me?
A: We know how essential it is that recruits from overseas have a good level of spoken and written English in jobs where they will have regular contact with service users. We will ensure that this is the case before we present any candidates to you for interview and have our own tailored English test to ensure satisfactory standards. It is also our experience that overseas recruits have a willingness and determination to improve their English very quickly after they arrive in the UK.
Q: If staff are recruited from overseas, will I interview them myself? If so, where?
A: This is entirely up to you, but we would expect that you would wish to be involved in the selection process at some stage. Up to 15 interviews can be arranged, for example, at our interview centres in Poland or even in London. For smaller numbers, telephone interviews are recommended.
Q: Do I have to provide accommodation?
A: Obviously, everyone needs someone to live and people arriving from, for example, Poland will find a job proposition much more appealing if accommodation is available. Obviously you will charge a fair rent for this which can be deducted from salary.
Q: What checks are made by Caring People before new employees from overseas arrive to start work?
A: All CVs are thoroughly checked and references requested. Qualifications (particularly PIN numbers for nurses) will be verified before interview. We can also assist with CRB applications.
Q: Where does Caring People recruit its candidates from?
A: Most of our applicants come from east European countries such as Poland, Slovakia and Estonia. All are members of the EU, so there is no requirement for work permits. As EU citizens they have a right to work in the UK.
Q: OK, so you provide a really good service, but how much do you charge?
A: Our fees are very competitive but you will have to contact us to find out just how competitive. We don’t want to give away all our secrets to competitors!
Q: Do I have to pay anything “up front”?
A: Certainly not. Unlike some other recruitment companies, we do not ask for any advance payments. Your vacancies will be advertised completely free of charge on the Caring People website and throughout eastern Europe on partner websites and in printed media. We will not invoice you until a few days after arrival of your new employee(s).
Q: I would like to discuss the possibility of recruiting new staff through Caring People. What should I do next?
A: Contact Ben Livermore, Tel: 07852 429294; email: ben.livermore@caring-people.com. He will be happy to discuss your needs further with you or to arrange a meeting. Or go to the Looking for Staff page and follow the links.
FAQs (for jobseekers)
Q: How much do I have to pay to register my details with Caring People?
A: Nothing.
Q: How much do I have to pay if Caring People finds me a job?
A: Nothing. There is no charge at all to job seekers for our services. We are paid by employers for finding new recruits.
Q: I work as a qualified nurse in my own country and want to work as a nurse in England. Will Caring People be able to find me a job?
A: You can only work as a nurse if you have a pin number from the UK’s Nursing & Midwifery Council. You can still work as a care assistant in the UK whilst qualifying for your nursing pin number.
Q: I want to work in the UK but don’t feel I have enough experience to work as a carer. Are there any other positions available?
A: Many of our clients are looking for kitchen staff, domestic staff and laundry assistants as well as carers.
Q: If I come to work in the UK where will I live?
A: Many employers provide subsidised living accommodation close to the workplace. If not, they will usually help you find somewhere to live.
Q: I am Polish and can speak and write some English but am not sure whether my level of ability will be good enough.
A: Employers will insist that you communicate in English with their service users and you will also need to write short reports in English. Once working in England, you will probably be able to enrol locally for English classes.
Q: I am 19 years old. Am I too young to be a carer?
A: No, the minimum age is 18.
Q: I am 55 years old. Am I too old?
A: Certainly not. Employers often prefer mature people to work as carers. Provided you are fit, healthy and hardworking, age is no barrier.
Q: If I apply to you for a job and send my CV, does this remain confidential?
A: Yes, we are registered with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, which strictly controls the use of personal data. Your personal details will only be used for the purposes of finding you a job and will only be shown to potential employers.
Q: If I make an application, what happens next?
A: Caring People will contact you personally by email or by telephone to check your details and to discuss job opportunities with you.
Q: I would like Caring People to find me a job. What do I do next?
A: Go to the Looking for a Job page and follow the instructions. We look forward to hearing from you and will do all we can to help you find you a job!