Work · How do I find a real job and avoid scams?

Finding work in the UK safely.

Last verified: 1 November 2026· Based on GOV.UK, Acas and the Fair Work Agency· Next review 1 February 2027

Quick answer

Use trusted job sites, check the employer independently, and never pay for a job. GOV.UK states that employment agencies cannot charge you a fee for finding you work (entertainment and modelling have different rules). Every worker must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Applies to: UK-wide (the GOV.UK Find a job service covers England, Scotland and Wales)

Who this is for

Anyone looking for work who has the right to work in the UK. Check your own conditions first, including any hour limits.
If you need visa sponsorship, only licensed sponsors can offer it — you can check the official register.

Rules can depend on your own situation. If you are unsure, check the official page below before acting.

Step by step

1
Confirm your right to work
Know your conditions and be ready to share a right-to-work share code with employers.
2
Search trusted sources
Start with the GOV.UK Find a job service and employers' own websites.
3
Check the employer
Look up the company independently. If sponsorship is offered, check the employer appears on the register of licensed sponsors.
4
Read the terms before you start
Agencies must give you written terms before they look for work for you. You should get a written statement when you start.
5
Check your pay
Compare your hourly pay with the current National Minimum Wage rates on GOV.UK.

If something goes wrong

You are asked to pay for a job, visa, training or 'certificate of sponsorship'

What to do: Treat this as a serious warning sign and do not pay. Report it to Action Fraud. If you already paid, contact your bank immediately.

You are not paid what you were promised, or are paid below minimum wage

What to do: Get free advice from Acas. You can complain about pay and work rights to the Fair Work Agency.

Someone holds your passport, controls your money or threatens you

What to do: This may be exploitation. In an emergency call 999. You can report it through the Fair Work Agency or contact the Modern Slavery Helpline.

Official links

When you are ready to apply or check the detail, use these official services. Each opens in a new tab.

GOV.UK: Find a jobThe government's job search service.Opens gov.uk in a new tab GOV.UK: Register of licensed sponsorsCheck an employer can sponsor visas.Opens gov.uk in a new tab GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage ratesCurrent legal minimum pay.Opens gov.uk in a new tab GOV.UK: Rules for employment agenciesWhat agencies can and cannot do.Opens gov.uk in a new tab Acas: Free work rights adviceIndependent advice on pay and rights.Opens acas.org.uk in a new tab GOV.UK: Fair Work AgencyComplain about pay or report exploitation.Opens gov.uk in a new tab

Free MyAgumba tools for this

Right to work →Prove your right to work and know your limits.CV help →Turn your overseas experience into a UK-style CV.Application tracker →Keep track of jobs you apply for.Work in the UK →Plan stability, bridge and dream roles.Digital skills roadmap →Free courses and practice for office and online work.

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Optional extra

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Where this comes from

Based on GOV.UK, Acas and the Fair Work Agency. Last verified 1 November 2026; next review 1 February 2027.

MyAgumba explains official guidance in plain English. It is not legal, immigration or medical advice, and MyAgumba is not part of, or endorsed by, the government or the NHS. Always confirm the detail on the official page before acting.