Employment

Most important employment related information for BN(O) visa holders can be found in the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Pack, produced by the UK government and available in English and Traditional Chinese. 

Working in the UK guide also provides an overview of important information, such as: 

• Right to work  

• Types of employment  

• Training, work experience and volunteering  

• Rights at work 

Hongkongers in Britain website has a section on Employment and working in the UK, with many useful tips and practical information in English and Traditional Chinese.  

Employment Support

There are many services and organisations which provide help with finding jobs, including preparing CVs, practicing with job interviews and support with application forms. 

Some services are provided by voluntary sector, others by statutory organisations. They might have different geographical remits (national, regional or local) and varied eligibility criteria, and are often time limited. There is also a small number of services tailored to support Hongkongers. 

Each of 15 local authorities in Yorkshire and Humber have dedicated teams covering Employment and Skills, and help for businesses. Additionally, in West and South Yorkshire, combined authorities are also providing additional training and upskilling opportunities.  

National Career Advice provide free tailored information, advice and guidance to help individuals to make decisions on learning, training and work. To speak to career adviser in your area:

Contact: 0800 100 900 or use National Career Advice's online chat

Prince's Trust offers free online programme to give young people aged 16-30 the chance to build employability skills and develop professional reflection skills.

In this programme, participants will:

• Learn about employability skills, get advice from Prince’s Trust staff on how to craft a CV and Work on Communications Skills to ensure they stand out in interviews.
• Discover how to build resilience, boost their confidence and take part in activities focusing on topics such as money management and building relationships.

Contact: YHOutreach@princes-trust.org.uk

Services tailored to support Hongkongers

The Growth Company's Jobs for Hongkongers supports people from Hong Kong find work and settle into life within England.

Programme overview

• 8 weeks of support

• Digital or telephone support

• Dedicated advisor/support worker/case worker

• Tailored plan of support

Eligibility

To access Jobs for Hongkongers support you must be on the Hong Kong (BN(O) Scheme. Documentation will be required to support your eligibility.

If you are a referral organisation, please email Jobsforhongkongers@gcemployment.uk or call 07918 289 897

Regional and local training and employment support  

South Yorkshire (Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield) 

Careers Hubs – South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority 

Employment and skills service | Sheffield City Council 

West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield) 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority  

Employment and Skills | Inclusive Growth Leeds 

Leeds Employment Hub | Inclusive Growth Leeds 

York and North Yorkshire 

Rise2Thrive is a support programme for adults in North Yorkshire and York who are currently out of work and have barriers to engaging with employment and/or training or are in work but need support to thrive. 

Individuals receive tailored 1-2-1 advice, mentoring and employability support, and have access to specific interventions designed to help break down barriers.  

Contact: 01423 795300 or rise2thrive@betterconnect.org.uk    

Language: English 

Services tailored to support Hongkongers: 

Ambitions Hongkongers – Sheffield 

The project is delivered by Sharrow Community Forum and provides support with finding jobs to Hongkongers living in Sheffield. The project is on going until March 2025. 

Contact: 07943794944 or kit@sharrowcf.org.uk 

Language: Cantonese and English    

Strive project – Leeds and Wakefield  

The project is delivered by Strings of Life (Leeds Chinese Gospel Church) and provides support with English language, job seeking and mock interviews. The project is on-going until December 2024. 

Contact: solstrivecp@gmai.com  

Language: Cantonese and English