National Insurance Number interview

Another big thing to get out of the way once you are in the UK, if you already have a job or are about to start working, is to apply for a National Insurance Number. Some money is taken away every month from your gross salary to be paid towards National Insurance, and for the money to be allocated to you, you need as National Insurance Number.

A NI Number can be obtained through any Job Centre Plus, Job Centre or social security office; but before being allocated one, you need to go for an interview, which lasts about an hour, and at which you will need to provide your interviewer with proof of your address in the UK (bank statement, bill, etc), proof of employment (payslip) and proof of identity (visa, ID card).

For more information about applying for a National Insurance Number, have a look at this link:

-> Applying for a National Insurance Number on www.direct.gov.uk

"End of the dream" for the Swiss in the World Cup

A quick note to mark the "end of the dream" for Switzerland in the World Cup; too bad the English commentators on the BBC made it even harder to swallow with unjustified and stereotyped comments! There really was no need for such arrogance... Comments such as "even neutral on the pitch" are appalling and particularly tasteless.

I have to say I am very disappointed with such a display of self-consciousness and unimaginative try for humour from people who express themselves on a national and international channel; media professionals tend to slag off the rest of the world on a regular basis recently.
Some respect and fair-play for "the Foreigners" would be very much appreciated in the future.