My future daughter in law works in Aviation Security and has just been approached (head hunted) by G4S for a 6 month contract working at Kuwait airport. She has until tomorrow to decide, and after much research we are all still scratching our heads.
The money is fab. £500 per day, 7 days a week, for 6 months. Apartment paid for and a hire car.
They are just going through with a house purchase, so the money would be handy, but she would miss the completion day, as well as various other family events. There is no opportunity to come back in the six months, so if my son wants to see her, he will have to fly out for a week in the middle.
Security and safety are the main concerns. G4S don't have a great rep for looking after people. She is 28, single white female, and potentially alone in Kuwait for 6 months.
It doesn't help that she has just come back from 6 weeks in Bangladesh and was right round the corner from the massacre which took place there. They were in lock down and had to be escorted home by British Intelligence.
If you have any experience or knowledge please share it.
Cheers,
Rob.
Comments
I can't speak for G4S but generally Kuwait is a secure country and the people are absolutely fine - don't worry about security. It'is COMPLETELY different from Bangladesh, which is really not a safe place at the moment.
You don't mention the hours but 7 days a week will be tough in any job, though it's only for 6 months, and on that money it's a hell of a lot easier to swallow.
The FO standard advice is a little scary. But what you are saying is reassuring.
The hours are variable, but she will get a couple of days a week off and still be paid £500 a day just for being away.
Rob
After 3 years out here I'd definitely go for it (although I'm happy to admit before I made the jump I'd have been very nervous to take that kind of posting and can completely understand her mixed feelings)
Feedback
But PLEASE don't take my word for it - it's well worth getting proper advice as it could save 25k+!
Eeesh, she may end up going now!
The money is really hard to turn down. Buying a house, getting married, starting a family. With that kind of cash behind you after six months, it's a great start. There are not many young people in their twenties in this position any more! But, they have both worked really hard for it, uni, postgrads, renting in London to get the better jobs and experience. Now up near Wakefield and settling down.
Rob
That's a life changing lump of money.
I have been on the phone and told them what you guys have said, and they have also been getting opinions. If they can stand the time apart it would be a very financially rewarding thing to do.
Cheers,
Rob
On that money they can afford for her chap (your son, I assume) to visit more than once if time allows.
That's the nature of security work. For £500 a day, I'd consider rolling the dice on it
there are loads of ex pats she will make friends
6 months is nothing with FaceTime etc etc
I hear the day rates in Mordor are pretty good too.
all kidding aside, I know people who did various contract periods in the ME (inc Iraq) and their experiences were wildly variable - some companies put you in secure accommodation, give you a local fixer etc to call if any issues - others just put you anywhere cheap and you're left to your own devices.
different employment agencies do different diligence on this.
One guy took one look at the living arrangements where he was going in Iraq and went back to the airport and bought a flight home.
Should also consider expat contracts often get extended, I have been out 2 years longer than I thought.
https://www.gov.uk/tax-foreign-income/residence