Freedom of movement between the UK and EU ended on 31 December 2020. The UK has now implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally.
Anyone you want to hire from outside the UK, excluding Irish citizens, will need to apply for permission in advance. Employers will also need to register as a licensed sponsor to hire eligible people from outside the UK.
The new system treats EU and non-EU citizens equally and transforms the way in which employers recruit from outside the UK.
To hire someone from outside the UK, excluding Irish citizens, the job you are advertising must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds:
- The minimum skill level will be set at RQF3 (equivalent to A level)
- The minimum salary threshold will be the higher of £25,600 or the ‘going rate’ for that job – some employees may be paid less than £25,600, for example if their job is in a shortage occupation.
- Any applicants from outside the UK must also meet English language requirements.
Before applying to be a sponsor you should:
- Check that the people you want to hire will meet the requirements for coming to the UK for work
- Check your business is eligible
To apply, you will need to:
- Choose the type of skilled worker licence you want to apply for
- Put appropriate systems in place to act as a sponsor
- Apply online and pay the fee
People coming to work in the UK will need to meet certain requirements:
- A job offer from an approved sponsor
- That job offer must be at the required skill and salary level
- They must speak English at the required level
- You will need to apply to be a licensed sponsor
- You’ll usually have a decision within 8 weeks
- Being a sponsor allows you to recruit skilled workers globally for 4 years
All applicants will be able to trade characteristics, such as their qualifications, against a lower salary to get the required number of points. If the job offer is less than the minimum salary requirement, but no less than £20,480, an applicant may still be eligible if they have:
- A job offer in a specific shortage occupation
- A PhD relevant to the job
- A PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job
There are different salary rules for workers in certain health or education jobs, and for ’new entrants‘at the start of their careers.
Helen Stacey, MD of Aspire Jobs Recruitment Agency comments: “This is a significant shift in UK policy, whilst it was reported towards the end of 2020 it may well have been overlooked in all of the media around Covid.”
Helen continues “Employers also need to be aware that the new system will not apply to EU employees already working for you in the UK. So, if you have any EU citizens and their family members living in the UK by 31 December 2020, they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. You also need to make them aware that those eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme must apply by 30 June 2021. I can see this significantly impacting various industries such as hospitality (when it’s back up and running properly), healthcare and manufacturing. My advice would be to take a look at the Govt website and familiarise yourself with the rules now, to avoid any unnecessary delays in hiring”
Aspire Jobs is a boutique recruitment agency based in Ringwood specialising in supplying permanent and fixed term contract to employers across Dorset and Hampshire. If you require any further information, please contact Helen on 07974 429217.