What is a national insurance number?
What is a national insurance number and do you need one to get a job?
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What is a national insurance number and do you need one to get a job?
If youâre looking for a job in the UK, youâll probably have heard the term ânational insurance number.â Itâs important to understand what this is and how to get one (if you donât already have one). Itâs an important part of working life in the UK.
A national insurance number is a unique number made up of 9 characters (6 letters and 3 numbers). Itâs used to make sure you pay the correct amount of tax and national insurance contributions when you start working. Whether youâre an employee or self-employed, youâll need to pay national insurance contributions. You keep one national insurance number for your entire life. But you should note that a national insurance number isnât a form of ID.
To apply for a national insurance number, youâll need to be at least 16 years old or over. You also need to live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. If youâre unemployed, you can still apply for an NI number.
No, you can still get a job without a national insurance number. But once you get a job, youâll need to apply for an NI number. In the meantime, your employer will give you a temporary NI number until your permanent one comes through.
If youâre a UK resident, youâll automatically receive a national insurance number when you turn 16.
Although itâs not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number, life sure will be easier with one. You can apply via the government website. Applications are usually processed within 8 weeks. To apply, youâll need one of the following:
Itâs not a legal requirement for you to have an NI number. But if you do have one, itâs a good idea to take it to your interview. If your employer wants to offer you the job on the spot, having your NI number handy can speed up the process.
Itâs not common practice to include your NI number on your CV. Your employer will usually ask you for your NI number once youâre hired.
As we mentioned before, itâs not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number. But the majority of the UK does have an NI number. It makes life much simpler. But donât worry – if you donât have an NI number yet, you can still apply for jobs!
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