What types of work do you have? We have a wide range of flexible and varied positions to suit all different levels of skills and experience. With 18 years experience we have assignments with numerous clients. Examples include:

• PAs
• Medical PAs
• Medical Secretaries
• Legal Secretaries
• General Secretaries
• Data Entry Clerks
• Filing Clerks
• Receptionists
• Ward Clerks
• Clinic Clerks
• Medical Record Clerks
• Administrators

What is the pay like? Of course pay rates vary depending on an individual's ability but a competent Medical Secretary can expect to earn up to £11 - £15 per hour. Our payroll team work hard to ensure weekly pay which is via direct payment into bank accounts every Friday.

How much support do I get? We understand that many people may choose temporary work as a stop gap and our role is to provide you with as much support as you need. Levels of support will vary with each individual and at Lifeline, we respect everyone's individuality. You will be fully briefed on each new placement, and given a copy of our temp handbook which covers most issues. We will also regularly check that you are happy in the posting. If at any point you have any concerns, always call.

Is there any work? Work comes in on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and are filled very quickly. Call on a daily basis between 10-11am to ensure your consultant is aware of your availability.

Are there many ongoing bookings? It depends on client demand but we do receive a lot of them. Temporary positions can cover sick leave, annual leave, maternity leave, permanent vacancies, special projects and increased workloads, etc.

Have you received my timesheet? You are advised to fax your timesheet on a Friday afternoon and then call reception to check if the timesheet has been received, even if you have confirmation from your fax machine that the fax has gone through. Always put the original in the post and keep a copy for yourself. Deadline for timesheets is midday on Monday.

Can you confirm the total holiday pay accrued? Simply email holiday@lifeline-personnel.com and we will let you know how many days you have accrued and how much is outstanding.

How does holiday pay work? As from the 1st October 2007, holiday pay allowance rises to 24 days being 10.17% from 20 days being 8.33% and this is paid in addition to the basic hourly rate. If, for example, your pay rate is £ 12.50, you accrue an additional £ 1.27.

What should I wear? Always dress smartly or wear a business suit when going into a new booking. You can then assess the dress code after you’ve started working.

Do you have any work outside London ? Currently, all of Lifeline Personnel’s’ work is based within the London area and the Home Counties.

 How is tax calculated? Income tax is your contribution to Government spending. Everyone who receives income over a certain amount in the tax year pays income tax - the more you earn the more you pay. Whilst working for Lifeline we will deduct the tax from your earnings and pass it to the Inland Revenue. Every individual is entitled to an annual tax free allowance - in the tax year 2007-2008 this is £5,225, released each week at a rate of £100.48 per week.

Thereafter you will be taxed as follows:
The tax rates and bands of taxable income are:
Starting Rate of 10% 0 - £2,2300
Basic Rate of 22% £2,231 - £34,600
Higher Rate of 40% over £34,600

What is a P45? A P45 is an Inland Revenue form issued to a candidate when they leave employment and start working elsewhere. The P45 will detail both the total you have earned and total tax paid to date in the current financial year. The P45 is then passed on to the new employer and they will be able to put you on the correct tax code based on this information.

What is a P46? A P46 is an Inland Revenue form completed by candidates when they register with us if they do not have a P45. The P46 is a coding request from the candidate to the Inland Revenue. Typically the correct code will be received 6 - 8 weeks after receipt of the form.

 What is a P60? A P60 is issued at the end of the financial year (5 April) and will detail earnings and tax paid for the financial year. You will only be issued a P60 if you are working for our agency at the end of the financial year or if you have worked for us during the financial year but have not been issued a P45. Your P60 can then be used to determine if you need to claim any tax back from the Inland Revenue. We cannot claim back tax on behalf of candidates.

 I’m a student, what about my tax exemption (P38)? If you work for us during the holidays only you do not have to pay tax on your earnings up to the personal allowance of £5,225 if you complete the student declaration form P38 and provide Lifeline with a letter confirming your registration for that academic year.

How do I open a bank account? Once you have started working with our agency, we can help you open a bank account by providing a letter with details of your booking and specific information required by the bank. You can then present this letter to the bank, along with other supporting evidence (passport, drivers licence, etc) as required, and the bank should organise an account to be established in your name.

What is national insurance and can I claim it back when I leave the UK ? National Insurance (NI) is money paid towards a pension scheme that can not be accessed until retirement (similar to superannuation). An amount is deducted from your pay each week for NI and distributed to the relevant organisation. NI can not be claimed back when you leave the UK . A number of foreign countries used to have a reciprocal agreement with the UK allowing foreigners to claim back their NI when they returned home but these agreements are no longer in place. You are able to access your NI funds at retirement age and this can be done from your home country.

How do I get a national insurance number? You must apply to the Department of Works and Pensions. They will initially organise an interview date and advise you of the documents you need to bring with you. If you start working for us before you have been issued an NI number, we will use a temporary number which is worked out using your date of birth.

Phone: 020 7637 3737
Fax: 020 7637 7337

122 Great Portland Street
London W1W 6LN

Downloads
P45 Request Form
Lifeline Timesheet
Holiday Request Form
Change of Details