Following the departure of Great Britain from the EU, the transition period ends in December. From January 2021, new rules will apply.
One topic businesses need to ensure they have covered is the immigration law changes, which will affect business that employ workers from the EU.
As many businesses will already be aware, EU nationals will have to apply for the EU settlement scheme to continue to live and work in the UK and have until the 30th June 2021 to apply for the scheme.
On the 13th July 2020, the Government set out details on the UK’s points based system. This new arrangement will take effect from 1st January 2021, once freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has ended.
The points based system will include a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.
From January 2021, the jobs offered to skilled workers will require a skill level of RQF3 or above (A-level equivalent) candidates will need to undertake an English verbal (speaking) test and be paid the relevant salary. This will either be the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher.
To apply for the Sponsor Licence you will need to:
Check your business is eligible.
Choose the type of license you want to apply for, this will depend on the type of worker you sponsor.
Decide who will manage your sponsorship within your business.
Apply online and pay the fee.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) may visit your business to check it is suitable
Once your business has applied, you will be given a license rating. Information regarding the license rating can be found on the government website https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/your-licence-rating. If your application is successful, you will be able to issue certificates of sponsorship if you have positions that are suitable for sponsorship.
Whilst the changes come at a time businesses are recovering from the Global pandemic these changes need to be in place for January, to enable you to continue or start to employ workers from the EU.
Our compliance team have knowledge regarding the new system to enable us to support our agencies during the transition period. If you need any advice or wish to discuss the above in more detail please call us on 01252 863 700 or email us info@epayme.co.uk and we will be happy to support you.
*Please note we are unable to provide specific immigration advice*