settlement visa

[John]

I did travel with him and passed through the 'British / EU' channel

It is worth noting that although you personally have the ability to go through the EEA/Swiss channel, it is totally possible to accompany the person you are travelling with through the other channel. I personally did this a number of times before my wife and step-daughter got their British passports. It helped considerably.

I just wish I had known about that the first time they landed in the UK. That is when it would have been really useful.

asked my husband to fill in a form with details of his address in UK and usual job title

A landing card is always needed whenever a person travelling on a non-EEA/Swiss passport wishes to enter the UK .... on the first and subsequent occasions. Sometimes Stupid hand out such cards in-flight.

[hmm]

thanks all for your replies. how do we get the work permit? would it issue at the airport on arrival?
what about the national insurance? is it ok to use the old one or need to get a new one? we'd prefer a new national insurance number and start everything fresh.

[John]

How to get a Work Permit? It is a two-year spouse visa that has been issued? If so, no Work Permit needed ... automatic right to work in the UK without Work Permit. However an employer would need to see the passport with its visa to prove that is the case.

what about the national insurance? is it ok to use the old one or need to get a new one? we'd prefer a new national insurance number and start everything fresh.

A NINO is for life! You can't get a new one. Indeed you really do not want a new one ... the NI contributions already paid will be taken into account when you eventually qualify for say State Retirement Pension.