Employers' FAQs

This page answers some of the most commonly-asked questions we receive from employers. If your question isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

When can students work?

Most students are often able to work at times that are unattractive to others, for example weekends, evenings or early mornings, often at short notice. Many will also be prepared to work for just a few hours a week, or even on a casual basis as and when required.

They can be available at busy times of the year and many are looking for full-time jobs over the summer vacation. We recommend that students not work more than twenty hours per week so as not to interfere with their academic pursuits.

International/Overseas students are prohibited from working more than 20 hours per week during the term, but can work full-time during vacation times. Please ensure that you are fully aware of the Immigration restrictions for International Students or Immigration requirements for students from the new European countries.

How can using the Job Shop benefit my organisation?

The Job Shop staff can provide a variety of services to assist employers. We can help you to word your vacancy for maximum impact and also make suggestions to help you streamline the application process. We will offer advice on how the Job Shop can help you recruit students and offer information on employment related issues.

We are able to offer employers a stall in the foyer of the union for a small contribution, which offers employer the opportunity to discuss directly with students their current vacancies. We have also in the past been able to arrange a room for employers to talk to students whether undertaking presentation or individual interviews. Please let us know how we can help.

How can a business advertise within the Job Shop?

If your organisation has vacancies you would like to advertise, please complete the Employer's Registration Form and complete a Vacancy Form with details of your vacancy, which can be found here.

New for 2008/09 - Advertise your company logo with a direct link to your company website or advertise your vacancy in the Union's two weekly newspaper, there will be a small charge for these additional services.

Vacancy posting guidelines

The Student JobShop is able to post vacancies for registered companies and charities only. We regret that we are unable to post vacancies for private individuals. The Job Shop only advertises vacancies paid under P.A.Y.E and do not advertise vacancies paying commission only or for self-employment.

When posting your vacancies, the more information you can provide about the duties of the position you are advertising, the qualifications and the experience you are seeking in candidates, the working hours, and other job particulars the more likely that suitable applicants will apply.

If we have concerns about your vacancy we will contact you to clarify any issues that are raised. The Job Shop ultimately reserves the right to refuse to post any vacancy that it deems to be unsafe or unsuitable for students. We also reserve the right to remove any vacancy if it is determined that an organisation has misrepresented themselves or any aspect of the application process or work involved.

Student working rights

If you are not clear about the student's working rights after checking the passport, you can seek advice from the International Student Adviser's Office in Nuffield Centre.

Address:
European & International Office, Nuffield Centre, St Michael's Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2ED (Show me a map)

Opening hours:

Summer vacation:

Monday - Friday: 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm

Term-time:

Monday - Thursday: 10am - 5pm, Friday: 10am - 4pm

Check that the student's visa allows employment during study.
Students are legally restricted to 20 hours per week only during term time, but may work full-time during vacation periods, e.g. Christmas, Easter and Summer Holidays.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in heavy fines for employers.