As though we didn’t all have enough to think about at the moment The Home Office has issued The UK’s points-based immigration system: an introduction for employers. It contains guidance on the proposed points-based immigration system, which assigns points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries and shortage occupations. Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough points.
Full details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-employer-information/the-uks-points-based-immigration-system-an-introduction-for-employers#skilled-workers
In the guidance the Home Office says:
Employers not currently approved by the Home Office to be a sponsor should consider applying now if they think they will want to sponsor skilled migrants, including from the EU, from early 2021. https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers
You need to apply to be a sponsor if you want to recruit workers from outside the resident labour market from 1 January 2021. Until then, current immigration rules will apply.
The standard processing time for an application is usually 8 weeks and will start when the Home Office receives your application.
You do not need to be a sponsor to employ someone from the resident labour market with an existing right to work in the UK. This includes EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status, and non-EU citizens with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
We suggest that you check this out and act sooner rather than later if you want to be able to recruit from outside the UK after 1st January 2021.
For advice on Visa and Immigration issues enlightenHR partners with Permits2Work (mpassmore@permits2work.com) and can highly recommend Matthew and his team for any queries you have or any support you may require.
Anything on the HR front and of course we’re just a call or email away.