Home Office warns UK firms to prepare to hire EU staff post-Brexit
With just a few weeks until free movement ends, UK firms need to apply for a Sponsor Licence if they want to hire EU workers.
If you need help with your Sponsor Licence application, or if you wish to find out more about hiring EU workers, you can speak to one of our lawyers today on 0333 305 9375.
Home Office warns UK firms to prepare to hire EU staff post-Brexit
With just a few weeks until free movement ends, UK firms need to apply for a Sponsor Licence if they want to hire EU workers.
From next year, all UK businesses who wish to employ new workers from the EU must receive approval from the Home Office.
With less than three months until freedom of movement ends, hundreds of thousands of businesses may still not be ready to sponsor employers from abroad. The Home Office has recently launched a nationwide marketing campaign to remind UK businesses of the importance of applying for a Sponsor Licence, to hire EU workers.
The campaign, set to persuade businesses to get ready for the new immigration system, will run throughout Autumn via a wide range of channels. This includes radio, outdoor advertising and social media, to target all employers who are yet to become sponsors.
In the attempt to provide support on the new system, the Home Office has lowered the minimum skills and salary thresholds. A Home Office spokesman said:
“We are also introducing special schemes to enable more scientists, academics, investors, entrepreneurs, and health and care workers to come to the UK easily and are reviewing the recommendations of the independent Migration Advisory Committee on the shortage occupation list so that the government can work with sectors to fill roles quickly where shortages may occur.”
How to apply for a UK Sponsor Licence
Home Office’s figures reveal that so far only 29,514 businesses in the UK are registered to sponsor applicants on Tier 2 visas. This means that hundreds of thousands of enterprises may still be unprepared to employ new EU workers entering the country at the end of the year.
It takes up to 6 to 8 weeks for the Home Office to process an application for a sponsor licence. Besides, it may take additional time to prepare an adequate bundle of supporting documents to submit along with the application forms. This means that the majority of UK businesses must start their sponsor licence application process now, or they may be caught out when the UK leaves the EU on 1st January 2021.
Need help with your Sponsor Licence application?
To receive professional support with your Sponsor Licence application, you can get in touch with IAS’ immigration lawyers. Our immigration specialists are experienced in UK immigration employment law cases and will be happy to assist you with your application. Contact us today on 0330 433 1213 for more information.
Employers who already hold a sponsor licence
The new immigration system will not apply to EU citizens who began their residence in the UK before 31st December 2020, and who submitted their application under the EU Settlement Scheme before 30th June 2021. UK employers should ensure that their EU workers apply to the Scheme while still available, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Existing Tier 2 sponsors will automatically be granted with a new licence, which can be used to employ skilled workers from the EU.
If your sponsor licence has expired
Your sponsor licence will expire on the date written on the summary page of the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
If you need to apply for a Sponsor Licence renewal, you can submit your request up to three months before the expiry date. You can apply within the SMS, and the Home Office will start evaluating your case after you pay the appropriate fee.
It is recommended to apply for a Sponsor Licence extension as soon as possible. If your renewal is rejected prior to your first licence expiry date, you will still be able to submit a new application and hire international workers until a decision has been reached.
Get in touch with IAS’ immigration lawyers today
To make sure that your Sponsor Licence renewal application is completed to the highest standard, it is advisable to seek the help of an immigration expert. To find out more about your options to renew your licence and hire EU workers after the end of this year, you can discuss your case with one of IAS’ immigration lawyers. Call us on 0330 433 1213 for more information.
The way you hire from the EU is changing.
From 1 January 2021, you will need to register as a licensed sponsor to hire eligible people from outside the UK.
Read more: https://t.co/CqzCeyb5qg pic.twitter.com/2g7r8R3ukg
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) October 23, 2020
EU citizens can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme to settle in the UK [image credits: Financial Times]
UK firms need to apply for Sponsor Licence to hire EU citizens starting from next year.
You may be interested in reading about.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.