Global Assignment Centre – (revised) March 2008
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
Welcome to England!
This guidebook contains useful information for those who are
interested in learning about expatriate assignments and
transfers to England. Living in a new country is a new and
exciting experience and there is no doubt that you will have
many questions about issues that may be unique to your
situation – housing, medical, education, etc.
To ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions
of an assignment, we suggest that you visit the Global
Assignment Centre (GAC) website and review the policy
section.
http://hr.mot.com/GAC/
The GAC team is available to assist you with your relocation
and transition. The GAC office in England is located at:
Motorola Limited
Jays Close
Viables Industrial Estate
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG22 4PD
UK GAC Team:
Chineham site only - Pam Brown 01256 484585
Viables and other sites – Karie Giles 01256 484029
Contact details for WW GAC can be found under “GAC Staff by
Country Office” on the GAC website.
We hope you will have an enjoyable and informative
experience as you learn about living and working in England.
We look forward to providing you with the highest level of
support and assistance.
Welcome to England
Page 2 of 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................... 4
Emergency Services ........................................................................................ 5
Postal Service ............................................................................................... 5
Banking ....................................................................................................... 5
HOUSING ........................................................................................ 6
Television Licence .......................................................................................... 6
Electrical Appliances ...................................................................................... 6
TEAM Relocations .......................................................................................... 7
Cartus ........................................................................................................ 8
MEDICAL....................................................................................... 10
Structure of the NHS ..................................................................................... 10
Doctors ...................................................................................................... 10
Prescription Charges ...................................................................................... 11
Child Screening ............................................................................................ 11
CIGNA ........................................................................................................ 12
Dentists ..................................................................................................... 12
Opticians .................................................................................................... 13
INLAND REVENUE AGENCY ................................................................. 14
Income Tax (Pay As You Earn – PAYE) .................................................................. 14
National Insurance Contributions (Social Security) Class 1 ........................................ 15
UK National Insurance Numbers ........................................................................ 16
EDUCATION ................................................................................... 17
DRIVING IN THE UK .......................................................................... 19
Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency ........................................................................ 19
Driving Licences ........................................................................................... 19
General ...................................................................................................... 20
ROUNDABOUTS ....................................................................................................................... 20
MINI ROUNDABOUTS .............................................................................................................. 20
SIGNS ....................................................................................................................................... 20
JOINING DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS AND MOTORWAYS ........................................................... 20
WAITING RESTRICTIONS ........................................................................................................ 20
PAYING TO PARK .................................................................................................................... 20
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ....................................................................................................... 21
SEAT BELTS ............................................................................................................................. 21
MOBILE PHONES ..................................................................................................................... 21
Road Tax .................................................................................................... 21
Leaseplan ................................................................................................... 21
MOTOROLA OFFICES IN ENGLAND ........................................................ 22
Basingstoke (Redwood & Viables) ...................................................................... 22
Swindon ..................................................................................................... 24
USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS .................................................................... 25
Welcome to England
Page 3 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
English Flag – the Cross of St George
Population (2002): 59,231,900
Area: 130,000 square kilometres
Capital city: London
England is located in the southern part of Great Britain. To get an
impression of the country and its culture, see the English Tourist Board's
website:
http://www.visitengland.com
The country has produced many famous pop singers and groups,
including the Beatles, Queen, Elton John and Oasis. The national sport is
football: famous current football players include David Beckham and
Michael Owen. English actors and actresses include Hugh Grant, Kate
Winslet and Dame Judi Dench. There are many areas of attractive
scenery, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, the South Downs, the New Forest,
the Broads, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors,
the Lake District and Northumberland. The national emblem of England is
the rose, and the patron saint is St George.
The name England comes from the words "Angle land". The Angles were
people who came from northern Germany in the 5th and 6th centuries,
after the Romans had left. The French name for England is Angleterre,
which also means "Angle land". There were also invasions of southern
England by Saxons and Jutes (people from another part of northern
Germany). English people are sometimes called Anglo-Saxons. The Celts
who used to live in this area were forced to move back into Scotland,
Ireland, Cornwall and into Western France (the area known as Brittany).
England at first became a series of kingdoms, the strongest of which was
Wessex (the name comes from West-Saxon). The names of many of the
regions in England come from this period - for example: the name Sussex
comes from South-Saxon, Essex from East-Saxon, and East Anglia from
East-Angle. The Vikings then came from Denmark, before the Normans
invaded from France. Eventually England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
were united, forming the United Kingdom. The government for the
United Kingdom is based in London (the Houses of Parliament). This
assembly includes politicians from all parts of the United Kingdom,
Welcome to England
Page 4 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
although recently some local assemblies have also been created in
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The English language is the main language spoken throughout England,
although there are many different regional accents. It can be difficult to
know how to spell or to pronounce some English words, because the
language has been influenced by Latin and Greek (languages used at the
time of the Romans, and used in religion and education until recent
times), German (the language of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes), French
(the language of the Normans), Gaelic/Scots (Celtic languages) and Danish
(the language of the Vikings). There are now many people throughout the
United Kingdom who speak a foreign language either as their first or
second language, mainly due to immigration from Europe or the
Commonwealth (countries which used to be part of the British Empire).
Emergency Services
Emergency Services
organisations:
in
the
UK
are
mainly
provided
by
three
Ambulance, Fire and Police
The telephone number for all three services is 999
Postal Service
The postal service in the UK is run by The Post Office. For details of
services available visit:
http://www.postoffice.co.uk
Banking
Although there are many UK high street banks available, in order to open
an account evidence of address etc. is required.
Some banking
institutions cover the majority of the country and in some cases have
international coverage, you do not need to choose a local bank.
The Global Assignment Centre has an arrangement for opening bank
accounts for inpatriates and permanent transfers to the UK with NatWest
bank.
www.natwestglobal.com
Application must be made via the GAC, who include a letter of
introduction with the application forms.
Welcome to England
Page 5 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
HOUSING
There is a great variety of style and type of property available in
England, from traditional country cottages to sophisticated urban living
spaces to suburban family houses.
Small room sizes are frequently a shock to those relocating to England.
It is important to remember that the UK is a small island and
consequently there is not much space to build on, resulting in smaller
houses. The average size of a modern, four bedroom property would be
approximately 800 – 1,000 sq feet. In modern houses, bedrooms are
generally designed to accommodate a standard UK double bed (137 cms
wide); you should take this into consideration if your bed is wider than
this. Older style properties often benefit from slightly more generous
room sizes, but the compromise may be older or dated fixtures and
fittings.
Sinks and baths in British houses typically have separate hot and cold
water taps. The idea is that you should use the plug attached to mix the
hot and cold water together to get the right temperature.
Carpets in bathrooms is another quirk of British houses. The British are
fond of carpets everywhere and often in many different colours and
patterns!
Happily, wood laminate floors are now increasing in
popularity.
The British do not always use their garages for cars! In the absence of
cellars in houses, garages are commonly used for storage space.
Television Licence
If you use or install television receiving equipment to receive or record
television programme services you are required by law to have a valid TV
Licence. The type of licence you will need and how to go about getting
one will depend upon your individual circumstances. If you are in a
Motorola rented property, our tenancy management company will take
care of the licence for you. Otherwise visit the TV licensing website for
further information:
http://www.tv-l.co.uk/index_frameset.html
Electrical Appliances
Electricity is at 240 volts AC, 50 hertz (cycles) whereas US power, for
example, is 100 volts at 60 cycles. Plugs have three square pins. Most
Welcome to England
Page 6 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
small appliances will run satisfactorily in the UK by using a 240/110 stepdown voltage transformer, but it must be remembered that as the UK
electricity runs at a slower frequency, appliances will run approximately
15% slower.
TEAM Relocations
Team Relocations is an external vendor who provide Motorola expatriates
and permanent transferees with relocation assistance upon arrival to the
UK. One, two and three day packages are available depending on which
assignment or transfer you come to the UK on. Services provided are
dependant on your entitlement but could include: set local & housing
market expectations, area orientation, home search, school search,
viewings, and tenancy assistance. Upon arrival to the UK, TEAM will
organise for you to be picked up and take you to your hotel or serviced
accommodation. Your local GAC consultant will explain the services you
are entitled to, and then put you in touch with a representative at TEAM
relocations to assist you with your housing requirements. TEAM will bill
Motorola directly for all of their services.
Below are tables giving a general guide price for property rental close to
the Motorola sites in Basingstoke and Swindon. They are based on a
minimum 12 month tenancy and rentals of 6 months or less are likely to
be higher than those illustrated.
Utility costs are generally
approximately 20-25% of the monthly rent.
Residential District
1 bedroom
£ per month
2 bedrooms
£ per month
3 bedrooms
£ per month
4 bedrooms
£ per month
Basingstoke
500-600
700-800
1000
1500 - 2200
Reading
600-750
750 - 850
1000 - 1500
1600-2700
Fleet
600
700
1000
1500 - 2200
Winchester
600
750
1000
1500 - 2200
Andover
600
600 - 800
950
1200
Welcome to England
Page 7 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Residential District
Mar 2008
1 bedroom
£ per month
2 bedrooms
£ per month
3 bedrooms
£ per month
4 bedrooms
£ per month
Swindon
425 - 500
475-700
600 - 800
850 - 1500
Cirencester
450 - 500
550 -900
800 - 1300
1200 – 2000
Hungerford
450
500 - 700
700 - 1000
1000 – 1800
Marlborough
450 - 500
500 - 800
700 - 1200
950 - 1800
Chippenham
450 - 500
475 - 600
550 - 750
750 - 1500
TEAM Relocations
54 Queen Anne Street
LONDON
W1G 8HN
+ 44 (0)20 7725 0030
www.teamrelocations.com
Contact: Beverley Thomas
Cartus
For all expatriates, once TEAM Relocations has identified a property for
you and Motorola has signed the lease, TEAM Relocations will pass your
file over to Cartus to manage the property. A counsellor at Cartus will be
assigned to you and they will be your single point of contact for any
housing or school related issues throughout your assignment. Cartus will
receive all the bills and will be responsible for ensuring that they are
paid on time with exception of the phone bill. In the UK, phone
companies will not allow third party access and therefore you will need
to hook up your telephone (internet / cable) directly with the company
of your choice and then expense back the cost through your GAC
consultant. Motorola will cover all costs associated with the hook up and
the monthly land line telephone charges. Motorola will not cover
individual calls, internet or cable. Should you require internet for
business purposes, you will need to expense the cost through the
business.
If you have any problems with your accommodation, you should contact
Cartus directly and they will respond within 24 hours.
Welcome to England
Page 8 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
Frankland Road
Blagrove
Swindon,
SN5 8RS
Contact: Gemma Harding
gemma.harding@cartus.com
01793 756 322
www.cartus.com
Welcome to England
Page 9 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
MEDICAL
Structure of the NHS
In Britain, most people use the National Health Service (NHS) which
provides free or subsidised health care covering hospital visits and
operations, local doctors (GP’s), community health services and dentists.
Full details can be found at the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/
A separate system for private healthcare also exists in the UK and it is
necessary to note that the NHS will cover not all doctors, dentists or
operations.
You will be entitled to use the free or subsidised NHS facilities if you are
a British Subject, EU citizen, if your country of origin has an agreement
with the UK and if you have a permit to work in Britain for longer than
six months, or are the child or spouse of the permit holder. Those who
do not qualify will have to pay for medical treatment. Emergency
medical care is provided for any person who needs it until the
‘emergency’ is over.
Doctors
To be treated by a GP you should be registered with him/her. To do this,
you will need to go along to the surgery where the receptionist will
supply you with the relevant forms to complete. You should take your
NHS Medical Card with you (if you have one). A list of doctors in your
area is available via the NHS website.
Once you are registered, the GP will arrange for your medical records to
be transferred from your previous doctor. Children under 16 must be
registered by their parents or legal guardian.
Some doctors or GPs work alone, but the majority work in group
practices consisting of a number of doctors who pool resources. Some
group practices work from a Health Centre which generally means that
they can provide a wider range of services such as a health visitor,
district nurse, chiropodist and clinics.
The majority of the GP practices operate an appointment system. The
alternative is a queuing system where the patients go to the surgery
during consultation hours and wait until the doctor is free to see them.
Welcome to England
Page 10 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
Wherever possible you should go to the surgery to see the GP. However,
if necessary, you can telephone the surgery early in the morning and
request a home visit. If a visit is needed out of surgery hours, such as
during the night, the doctor on duty for the practice will make the visit.
If you cannot contact your GP in an emergency you should go to the
Accident and Emergency Department in the local hospital.
You will need a GPs referral to see a specialist (usually a consultant).
You will then see the consultant at a hospital out-patients clinic. If you
need to go into hospital a specialist must refer you and on admission to
hospital, you become an in-patient.
If you are a resident in this country, there is no charge for seeing the
doctor unless he or she chooses to treat you on a private basis. If you
require hospital treatment you will be advised by the hospital as to
whether you will be treated under the NHS or privately.
Ante-natal care is arranged by your GP and care is usually shared
between the GP and the hospital.
GPs will normally provide a
contraceptive service. Alternatively, consult a Family Planning Clinic
that you can attend without being referred by your GP.
Prescription Charges
There is a standard charge for every item prescribed by the doctor,
except female contraceptive supplies for which there are no charges.
However, many people are entitled to free prescriptions including
children under 16, pregnant women and mothers of children under one.
You should take your prescription to a pharmacist at a chemist’s shop
who will supply you with the prescribed medicines. Some chemists stay
open through the evening.
Child Screening
There is a comprehensive programme of development screening for
babies and children up to school age that takes place at various stages
between 0 and 5 years. Developmental skills are assessed, hearing and
vision are tested and physical examinations may be carried out. This is
undertaken by your own GP, a clinical medical officer or a health visitor.
A health visitor is a State Registered nurse with further specialist
training. The health visitor is usually attached to a GP’s practice and is
responsible for all new mothers registered with the doctors in that
practice. These mothers and their children remain her responsibility
until the children reach the age of 5.
A regular programme of
surveillance in local authority schools is carried out by the school health
services. There is also a programme of routine immunisation.
Welcome to England
Page 11 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
CIGNA
While on a short term, long term, commuter, or training and
development assignment in the UK, you (and your family) will be
enrolled in CIGNA International healthcare. If you are coming from the
US, you will be enrolled into the US scheme called GHAPS Plan. Please
contact your primary GAC consultant for a copy of their benefits and
guidelines.
If there are costs which are not covered by the collaborating country
medical plan, but would normally be covered by your home country
medical plan, they can be expensed through your primary GAC
consultant.
If you have transferred permanently to the UK, you will be enrolled in
CIGNA Domestic healthcare upon arrival through the human resources
department. The Human Resources administrator will provide you
information about the benefits package, or you can visit the HR website
for details at:
http://hr.mot.com/emea/rewards/ukRewards/benefits/index.html
Dentists
Over the past few years, the provision of NHS Dental care has decreased
significantly in most areas of the UK, and patients are finding more
and more practices accept only private patients. Therefore, there is no
regular dental coverage provision for expatriates into the UK.
Expatriates are expected to have dental treatment while on home leave,
or cover the cost themselves in the UK. CIGNA private healthcare will
cover emergency dental treatment only. Please ensure to contact CIGNA
prior to any dental work to ensure coverage.
If you are covered under the US GHAPS Plan, reimbursement can be
claimed through them.
If you have transferred permanently to the UK, CIGNA Domestic has a
dental option at the employee’s cost. Please contact your human
resources administrator for further details or visit the HR website for
details at:
http://hr.mot.com/emea/rewards/ukRewards/benefits/index.html
To find a dentist in your area (public or private), please contact the
British Dental Association.
Welcome to England
Page 12 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
http://www.bda-findadentist.org.uk/
Opticians
You do not need referral from a GP to see an optician about your sight.
Some opticians are independent and operate an appointment system and
others offer an express service and belong to a chain. You will normally
pay for a sight test on top of the cost of frames and lenses or contact
lenses.
The sight test is free for children up to the age of 19 (and beyond if in
full time education) and for people over 60 years of age. For the two
aforementioned groups, an NHS subsidy is available towards the cost of
glasses.
Welcome to England
Page 13 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
INLAND REVENUE AGENCY
The Inland Revenue Agency is responsible for the administration of:
Income Tax (please see more information below)
National Insurance Contributions (please see more information
below)
Corporation tax
Capital gains tax
Petroleum revenue tax
Inheritance tax
Stamp duties
They are also responsible for the payment of:
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Child Benefit
The Inland Revenue ensures that everyone understands and receives
what they are entitled to and understands and pays what they owe, so
that everyone contributes to the UK's needs. The Inland Revenue is
changing radically; they are in the process of delivering a wider range of
services to their customers than ever before.
Website address for useful information:
http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/home.htm
Income Tax (Pay As You Earn – PAYE)
Most employees have their income tax deducted at source, i.e. Motorola
Ltd UK Payroll, through the PAYE system. The UK tax year runs 6 th April
through to 5th April.
Liability to Income Tax
Income tax is charged on all income that arises in the UK. UK residents
may also be liable for Income tax on income arising overseas. Please
discuss this with PWC, if covered within your LoU. Personal tax
allowances and your Motorola Pension contributions are deducted from
income before calculating Income tax at rates determined by the amount
of an individual's income.
Please refer to the Inland Revenue website for more specific
information/advice: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/home.htm
Welcome to England
Page 14 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
If you have moved permanently to the UK, the standard “basic personal
allowance” is £4615 per tax year. After your salary has been deducted
with your personal allowance and pension contributions you will pay tax
at the following rates:
On the first £1,920 = 10% (the starting rate)
On the next £27,980 = 22% (the basic rate)
On any income over £29,900 = 40% (the higher rate)
Please note that you will also have to pay tax on the benefit you get from
using a company car for private motoring, a fuel card (if applicable) and
CIGNA private medical cover.
National Insurance Contributions (Social Security) Class 1
Employers and employees must pay Class 1 National Insurance
Contributions. They are collected through the PAYE income tax
collection system. The employer must make appropriate deductions from
earnings and make payments of both his and his employees' contributions
each month. National insurance contributions are payable on all gross
earnings, including salary, overtime, commissions and bonuses given to
employees. Employee national insurance contributions rates for 2003/4
are payable at 11% of income above £89 up to £595 per week (£4,615 to
£30,940 per year) and 1% of income above this limit.
The employer’s national insurance contributions rate for 2003/04 is 12.8
% on all earnings above £89 a week (£4,615 a year).
Employers' Class 1A national insurance contributions are payable on all
taxable benefits-in-kind other than the provision of childcare.
Please refer to the Inland Revenue website for more specific
information/advice: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/home.htm
Benefits provided for paying National Insurance Contributions. Payment
of Class 1 contributions gives entitlement to:
Incapacity Benefit
Jobseeker's Allowance
Maternity Allowance
Retirement Pension
Widowed Mothers Allowance
Widows Payment
Widows Pension
Each of the above has its own different "qualifying conditions" which
must be satisfied before payment can be made. Further advice on the
Welcome to England
Page 15 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
various qualifying conditions can be obtained by contacting your local
Benefits Agency (this link will take you to another web site) office.
UK National Insurance Numbers
Importance of National Insurance numbers
The Inland Revenue National Insurance Contributions Office issues
National Insurance (NI) numbers to those approaching 16 years of age and
to those working or claiming benefit so that National Insurance
Contributions and credits can be correctly recorded on each person’s
National Insurance account.
For Transferees inbound only (as expatriates do not require an NI
Number) - You should inform the UK HR Helpdesk of your NI number, as
it is essential that they show the full and correct NI number on all
documents on which they record National Insurance Contributions. This
in turn helps to protect your entitlement to benefits such as basic State
Pension.
If you do not have an NI number your UK GAC Consultant will work with
you to obtain a number.
NI numbers consist of two letters, followed by six numbers, followed by
one letter, A, B, C or D. No other format is acceptable. It will look
something like this: AB123456C.
VAT
VAT is a tax on consumer expenditure. It is paid on business transactions,
imports, acquisitions. Most business transactions involve supplies of
goods or services. The rate at March 2008 is 17.5%.
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk
Welcome to England
Page 16 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
EDUCATION
Education is compulsory in the UK for children between the ages of five
and sixteen. It is important to understand that education in the
maintained (government) school sector is not related in any way to the
nationality of the child. Education has to be provided for all children who
are of compulsory school age (5-16 years), regardless of nationality, if it
is "practical and expedient" to do so. However, the education of children
over sixteen is at the discretion of the school/education authority.
Schools in the UK are split between government and independent
schools.
Government schools are known as 'Maintained schools',
'Comprehensive schools' or 'State schools'.
Independent schools are usually known as 'Public schools' (so called
because anyone from the Public can attend the school as long as they
have the money to attend).
School terms and holiday dates are set by each Local Education Authority
for county schools within its jurisdiction and will vary from county to
county. Generally, Independent schools have slightly longer holidays
than State schools.
Currently, the UK academic year is split into three terms:
Autumn:
Spring:
Summer:
School Type
Pre-school
(not
compulsory)
Primary
Secondary
September to December
January to April
April to July
Description
Young children may stay at home, attend a nursery school
(sometimes known as a kindergarten, for children aged
between 2 and 5), go to a day nursery, join a playgroup or
be looked after by a registered childminder.
Children have to go to school after the age of 5. A
primary school educates children up to 11. It is
sometimes divided into an infant school (for children aged
5-7) and a junior school (for children aged 7-11), or
sometimes into a lower school, middle school and upper
school. Children who are attending a primary or
secondary school are often called pupils.
Children must attend a secondary school (sometimes
known as a high school) from the age of 11 until they are
16. The exams taken at the end of this are called GCSEs
(General Certificates of Secondary Education). Most
schools are comprehensives, which are free and open to
children of all abilities including both boys and girls (they
Welcome to England
Page 17 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
are co-educational). In some areas there are selective
schools known as grammar schools which admit the most
able children using an entrance test (known as 11+ or
eleven-plus): the non-selective schools in these areas are
known as secondary moderns.
Independent
Most secondary schools also have a sixth form, in which
children can choose to stay for another 2 or 3 years to
study for A levels (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level): it is most common to study for A levels
in 2 or 3 different subjects, and to take the exams when
aged 18 or 19. Pupils may also take AS levels (Advanced
Supplementary Level exams) when aged 17. In some cases
children must travel to a separate sixth form college to
continue their studies: these provide education for pupils
aged from 16 to 19, including both academic (studyrelated) and vocational (work-related) subjects.
Schools which receive taxpayers' money from the British
government or local authorities are known as maintained
schools or grant-aided schools or State schools. There are
also independent schools, many of which accept boarders
(who stay overnight at the school) as well as day pupils. A
prep school (preparatory school) is a school which
prepares children for the entrance exams of a public
school (the Common Entrance exam). A public school is a
not-for-profit school for children aged between 13 and 18
for which parents pay school fees.
Useful websites:
http://www.parentcentre.gov.uk/
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm
www.isbi.com
www.ukschools4u.com
www.iscis.uk.net
Welcome to England
Page 18 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
DRIVING IN THE UK
Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency
The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the government body
which oversees rules for driving in the UK. Please refer to the
comprehensive DVLA website:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/welcome.htm
Paying particular attention to the form ‘Driving in Great Britain (GB) as a
Visitor or New Resident’:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/forms/pdf/INF38_040803.pdf
which gives full details of the current rules affecting foreign driving
licence holders who visit or come to live in England.
Driving Licences
To apply for a GB Licence you must:
1) Complete form D1 for a Provisional Licence, available from any main
post office and submit it with the required documents and a cheque or
postal order for £38.00.
2) Once the Provisional Licence has been issued you will have to take a
written and a practical test. BSM (British School of Motoring) assist in
assessing your current driving skills (and bad habits too!) and they will
also arrange/book the tests for you. Up to 4 hours of driving lessons to
assist in passing the UK test, if a test is required, will be reimbursed
through expenses.
http://www.bsm.co.uk/
The cost of obtaining a UK licence is not reimbursable through expenses
as it is covered under the incidental relocation allowance (IRA). Any
booking fees required for those who have to take a UK test to obtain a
new licence will be reimbursed through expenses.
Please be aware that this process could take around 2/3 months and if
you are still driving on your Non EC/EEA Licence after the 12-month
period your car insurance will be INVALID.
Welcome to England
Page 19 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
General
The British drive on the left hand side of the road. The speed limits for
cars follow (in miles per hour)
Built up area - 30
Single carriageways - 60
Duel carriageways - 70
Motorways – 70
ROUNDABOUTS
You must give way to traffic from the right if the roundabout is not
controlled by traffic lights. Use the left hand lane if turning left or going
straight on. Use the right hand lane if turning right.
MINI ROUNDABOUTS
These are painted or only slightly raised and should be treated exactly
like a normal roundabout.
SIGNS
There will be a signpost on the left hand side of the road before a
roundabout showing you which way to go. The main route will again
(usually) be signposted on the actual roundabout. Motorways are
indicated by blue signposts. Normal roads have green signposts. Tourist
routes have brown signposts.
JOINING DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS AND MOTORWAYS
You approach the road from the left on a slip road
Give priority to traffic already on the dual carriageway or
motorway adjust your speed to fit into the flow of the existing
traffic
Do not cross the solid white lines that separate the different lanes
Remain in your lane until your speed has adjusted
WAITING RESTRICTIONS
Single Yellow Line on kerbside = No waiting between certain times
- these will be displayed on signs on posts on the footpath
Double Yellow Lines on kerbside = Usually means no waiting at any
time - check for signs
PAYING TO PARK
You will be very lucky not to have to pay to park in the main towns
and cities of the UK.
Welcome to England
Page 20 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
When you park a car, look out for parking restriction signs or a pay
and display meter.
If you don't purchase a ticket and display it in your car you will
receive a fine which can be up to £40 or more depending upon the
area. In some areas you may be clamped or have your car
removed.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Most pedestrian crossings are now controlled by traffic lights. You
must stop when the red light shows.
If not controlled by lights, pedestrians have the right of way.
SEAT BELTS
All drivers and passengers in private cars MUST wear seat belts
MOBILE PHONES
On the 1st of December 2003 it became illegal for anyone to handle a
mobile phone whilst driving. The only way to talk and drive is to use a
hands free set. Even if you pull over to talk and have the engine still
running you can be fined.
Road Tax
All vehicles driven on UK roads must display a current road tax disc.
Road tax is a mandatory fee for all vehicles to cover the cost of road
repairs and maintenance in the UK. If you are an expatriate, the road
tax disc will be provided with the Motorola vehicle. Please refer to the
following website for more information:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/faq/faq_tax_car.htm
Leaseplan
The Motorola car fleet is administered by an external vendor called
Leaseplan. All short term and long term inpats to the UK are eligible for
a company vehicle for the length of their stay in the UK. IT and CMS
inpats are entitled to 14 days car hire. These vehicles are arranged by
the GAC Administrator.
Contact details for Leaseplan can be found at:
http://hr.mot.com/emea/rewards/ukRewards/index.html
This site also gives details of the Motorola Car Policy and UK Responsible
Driving Policy and explains the process of ordering a vehicle for members
of the Motorola Company Car Scheme.
Welcome to England
Page 21 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
MOTOROLA OFFICES IN ENGLAND
Basingstoke (Redwood & Viables)
Motorola Limited
Redwood
Crockford Lane
Chineham Business Park
Chineham
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8WQ
Motorola Limited
Jays Close
Viables Industrial Estate
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG22 4PD
Telephone
Location Code: ZUK02
01256 790790
Location Code: ZUK40
Telephone 01256 358211
Link to map:
http://frontpage.cgissemea.comm.mot.com/
Facilities/Maps/Map.htm
USEFUL CONTACTS and ADDRESSES
Cigna (Health Insurance)
1 Knowe Road
Greenock
Scotland
PA15 4RJ
Motorola Helpline: 0800 592 971
Nurses’ Number: 0800 242 442
Motorola UK Pensions
C/o AON Ltd
131 St Vincent Street
Glasgow
G2 5JF
Telephone: 0845 100 3324
Payroll Office
For any general queries regarding
your payslip or tax issues please
contact 01355 575400 (and choose
option 4)
Benefits Office
Telephone: 01355 355000
Welcome to England
The Hampshire Clinic
(Private Hospital)
Basing Road
Old Basing
Hampshire
RG24 7AL
Telephone: 01256 357111
Basingstoke Vaccination Service
(Based in The Hampshire Clinic)
Telephone: 01256 472002
Tax Office
HMIT
Centre 1
Queensway House
East Kilbride
Glasgow
G79 1AA
Telephone: 0845 0703703
Tax Reference Number 961/7064667
Page 22 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
There is a very active Sports and Social Club in Basingstoke. There is an
initial joining fee and monthly cost which will be deducted from your salary
on a monthly basis. Inpatriates are also welcome to join the Club and are
asked to pay their fees by cheque.
This will entitle you to take advantage of the subsidised events throughout
the year. Details of all the Sports & Social Clubs activities can be found on
the social club’s web site.
http://frontpage.cgissemea.comm.mot.com/social/
The monthly fee covers yourself and one adult guest to benefit from the
reduced price and if you have children they can benefit from any
child/family orientated events.
Welcome to England
Page 23 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
Swindon
Motorola Limited
Thamesdown
Groundwell
Swindon
SN25 4XY
Telephone 01793 565 000
Fax
Location Code: ZUK14
Link to Map:
Welcome to England
Page 24 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS
http://pcshr.mot.com
This is the PCS Human Resources website. It contains useful links
to Global Benefits, HR Service Centers as well as to PCS HR
leadership.
http://hr.mot.com/emea/rewards/ukRewards
Use this site to access information about benefits programs e.g.
pensions, MOTshare, cars (Leaseplan) to answer any questions you
might have concerning your benefits, and to access benefits forms.
http://compass.mot.com
This site acts as a company library.
http://ceo.mot.com
Contains general information about the state of the company from
the CEO and the COO.
http://emea-helpdesk.mot.com/helpdesk/index.html
This site is for the I.T. Help Desk and Account set-up, Monet
ticket.
http://directory.mot.com
Use this site to find basic contact information for any Motorola
employee.
http://travel.mot.com
This site contains useful information and helpful resources for
travelling with Motorola.
http://mu.mot.com
Motorola University site, record training requirements and
investigate internal and external course possibilities.
http://hr.mot.com/security
Global security web site giving travel info, personal safety and
security, weather forecasts, national and world news.
http://www.rocomx.net/roc/motorola
UK Employee Purchase Programme information.
phones for Motorola employees only
Purchase of
http://identity.mot.com/
Templates and logos for downloading
Welcome to England
Page 25 of 26
Global Assignment Centre
Mar 2008
http://tigerslive.mot.com/
TIGERS system is used to order anything that has a cost to an
outside company. Please let your administrator know of any
stationery requirements you have.
https://itshop.mot.com
To set up email accounts, Secure Dial applications, ‘Friendly’
email address etc.
Welcome to England
Page 26 of 26