10th March 2007, 06:41 PM
Ok for some reason Ireland has a bad reputation - but as I'm sure the case is in England - with so many archaeology companies in existence there are some good, some very bad and the rest are middling! I am not naming names! There are a few very big companies which get all the large contracts - most of whom are very good but the pay varies! The pay in Ireland is more but the downside of this is that you are expected to organise and pay for your own transport and accommodation unless they are really stuck. Some companies pay subsistence but the rate varies from company to company and some only pay it in certain circumstances. Some companies use it as a way to pay less taxable pay and more untaxed - but you don't get subsistence for holidays or sick days and it can affect the amount you get if you go on the dole in ROI (not applicable here though). Most companies only bother giving out contracts if they have a big project on and they want to ensure they keep their staff - and they are usually six month renewable contracts or project specific. I've only ever had two contracts in my life both with the same company. Most companies give holidays based on number of days worked, only workers who have worked with them for about a year are entitled to sick pay and only permanent staff usually get offered pensions. There is no union - a few years ago some people tried to organise a branch of SIPTU but I don't know if it ever got off the ground as most people didn't join!
The Irish Revenue website is http://www.revenue.ie/ but it's as clear as mud! You are better off phoning your local revenue office for help!
Getting a PSRI/PPS number and bank account isn't too hard but you have to do it in person with a letter from your employer and landlord. You can get a non-residents back account so you don't have to pay government duty on your bank account and if you get a particular sort of bank account and have over a certain amount in it you only have to pay bank duties once a year (I have a bank of Ireland account and this is set at 500 Euro balance I think). you have to go to the welfare office for you PPS card http://www.welfare.ie/topics/ppsn/apply.html Accomodation wise http://www.daft.ie has the biggest selection of rental properties - the closer to Dublin the more expensive! The UK inland revenue website is also gobbldy gook - I found this http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nonresidents/iwtc...tion.shtml which is related but is for non nationals living in the UK - but it's about the double taxation treaty. there's a helpline http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus/helplines.htm#37 national insurance/PSRI is also reciprocal but you can't claim it back until you claim your state pension!
Lucy
The Irish Revenue website is http://www.revenue.ie/ but it's as clear as mud! You are better off phoning your local revenue office for help!
Getting a PSRI/PPS number and bank account isn't too hard but you have to do it in person with a letter from your employer and landlord. You can get a non-residents back account so you don't have to pay government duty on your bank account and if you get a particular sort of bank account and have over a certain amount in it you only have to pay bank duties once a year (I have a bank of Ireland account and this is set at 500 Euro balance I think). you have to go to the welfare office for you PPS card http://www.welfare.ie/topics/ppsn/apply.html Accomodation wise http://www.daft.ie has the biggest selection of rental properties - the closer to Dublin the more expensive! The UK inland revenue website is also gobbldy gook - I found this http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nonresidents/iwtc...tion.shtml which is related but is for non nationals living in the UK - but it's about the double taxation treaty. there's a helpline http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus/helplines.htm#37 national insurance/PSRI is also reciprocal but you can't claim it back until you claim your state pension!
Lucy