Spanish student - just graduated, looking for work

[eclaire]

Hi, I'm enquiring on behalf of a friend. She's Spanish, has been studying in the UK, and wants to stay here now to jobsearch.

1) Is this possible,
2) does she need anything,
3) and will she be able to claim any benefits (such as jobseekers allowance and housing benefit) while she looks for full-time work?

Many thanks!

Claire

PS. I've looked into it and think she'll be fine, as she's an EU national (or whatever the correct term is).

I'm just not sure about the benefits, or if they'll give her a hard time as she isn't British?

She has some savings, but doesn't want to renew her housing contract until she knows the situation re benefits.

Thanks again!

[Casa]

I don't believe she will have access to benefits while she is job seeking if she hasn't previously been employed in the UK. Amber, a fellow moderator has far more knowledge on this.

[Amber]

DMG 071221 explains a jobseeker’s right to reside. The amendments change the definition of “jobseeker”. With effect from 1.1.14, a jobseeker is1 a person who
1. either
1.1 entered the UK in order to seek employment2 or
1.2 is present in the UK and seeking employment immediately after having a right to reside as a worker, self-employed person, a self sufficient person or a student and
2. can provide evidence that they are seeking employment and have a genuine chance of being engaged4.
Note: a “worker” within 1.2 above, does not include a person retaining worker status under specified legislation

So it is possible, however, number 2 above, raises the bar significantly. Note also:

A person who
1. has registered as a jobseeker with the relevant employment office and
2. is in duly recorded involuntarily unemployment after having been in genuine and effective employment in the UK for less than one year
will only retain worker status for a maximum of 6 months from the date on which they first became involuntarily unemployed2.
Note: this paragraph should be read in conjunction with paragraph 7 below. 1Imm (EEA) Regs, reg 6 (2)(ba); 2 reg 6(2A)
Employed in the UK for less than one year

See also, https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... -15-14.pdf