Code of Practice for Students & Graduates

Registering with City CareersHub shall be deemed acceptance of and agreement to this code of practice.

General Information

City CareersHub service will make information about appropriate job vacancies available to students registered with it. City CareersHub service may choose to contact suitable candidates directly about particular vacancies.

City CareersHub will provide students with employment information which is as up to date and accurate as possible. All information given is in good faith and is based on information from the employer as notified to the Career and Skills Development Service. Students must confirm for themselves that the information is accurate.

Students requiring information/guidance on issues not relating to a particular vacancy, e.g. National Insurance, will be directed to more appropriate sources within the University or externally.

Any registered student who fails without good reason to attend a pre-arranged employer interview or who otherwise abuses the service may be restricted from using City CareersHub.

Students are expected to be aware of their own study commitments and not to take employment that will adversely affect their academic work. A maximum of 15 hours' work per week during term-time is strongly recommended for undergraduates and 20 hours per week for post-graduates.

Working in the UK

It is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are legally entitled to work in the UK and have the relevant skills and qualifications required for a particular post before applying for it.

The Career and Skills Development Service will provide information about employment issues such as tax, work permits and the effect of earnings on benefits or, where appropriate, direct the student to another source, which can offer more specialised information and guidance.

Data Protection

The Career and Skills Development Service will not disclose the names, addresses or telephone numbers of students and shall conform to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and any subsequent related Acts.

Know Your Rights

If a student is dissatisfied with their employer and believes them to be in breach of employment law, the Career and Skills Development Service will seek to give appropriate guidance. In such circumstances it is solely the responsibility of the student to bring any legal action against the employer. More information can be found in 'Know Your Rights And Responsibilities' section. 

Unpaid Internships

City CareersHub will occasionally advertise unpaid internship opportunities, if we believe that these positions will benefit students with regards to gaining useful work experience, improving their skills and adding value to their CV. It is, however, the duty of any students who undertake unpaid placements to make sure that the actual day to day job duties are in accordance with the above and that they are gaining the experience and exposure they aimed for. If you think that an employer is breaching these conditions, please inform the Career and Skills Development Service so that we can investigate further. You can also visit the Rights for Interns website for more advice.

Recommendations for students and graduates

• Do consider carefully how internships in general and specific opportunities in particular can help you progress your career, and weigh any potential long-term benefits against immediate financial and other personal implications;

• Do make the most of any placement in terms of making contacts, learning new and developing existing skills/knowledge, and gaining experience;

• Do consider how best to negotiate with your line manager and others to ensure that you maximise the benefits of each internship;

• Do think about how you will articulate the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained or developed in future applications and interviews;

• Do make use of your HE careers service for information, advice and guidance on any of the above.

Recommendations found at AGCAS website. 

Freelance Opportunities

City CareersHub will occasionally advertise freelance opportunities. It is solely the responsibility of the students undertaking such work to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation that requires them to set themselves up as self-employed and handle their own tax/national insurance. International students must also note that they are not eligible to undertake freelance work in the UK. The Career and Skills Development Service can direct students to relevant external sources in order to get information and help.