The Way you recruit is changing!
On 22nd October 2020, legislation was laid in Parliament setting out a number of changes to the Immigration Rules which will provide the foundation for the UK’s new Points-Based Immigration System, which will apply from 1 January 2021 when hiring anyone from outside the UK’s resident labour market (except Irish citizens). The full statement of changes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-813-22-october-2020
The new Points-Based Immigration System will apply to the recruitment of skilled workers from around the world and all UK employers will be subject to the changes, even if they currently employ overseas workers. The new Skilled Worker Route (currently referred to as Tier 2 (General) route) will be open for applications from December 2020 an in order to recruit overseas workers through the Skilled Worker Route an employer must be registered as a licensed sponsor. Getting a licence normally takes around 8 weeks and fees apply and employers are advised to turn their attention to this matter now to prevent any difficulties in recruitment as we enter 2021.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals arriving in the UK on or before 31 December should not apply through the Points-Based Immigration System and they should instead apply to the EU Settlement Scheme upon arriving in the UK. Employers are being encouraged to support existing employees with any applications in this respect.
