Are you a UK business interested in hiring workers from overseas? If the answer is yes, then it’s important that you are aware of what needs to be done to stay within the law. In this article, we’re going to talk about the issue of a sponsor licence and why they are needed for UK businesses.
What is a Sponsor Licence?
First, it’s important to know what a sponsor licence is. Surprisingly, even hiring businesses are unfamiliar with the term, which can cause issues when hiring workers who aren’t UK citizens.
A sponsor licence grants UK businesses permission to hire workers from abroad. Many people assume that when people move abroad for work, the onus lies squarely on the employee. But in the UK, businesses are expected to take certain necessary steps too, and this is where a sponsor licence comes in.
There are different types of sponsor licences; some are designed for long-term employment, while others are designed to support UK businesses hiring for short-term or temporary roles. If you’re unsure which type of sponsor license is right for your situation, it’s worth going to the government website to understand the process a little further.
Reasons to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
Legal Requirement
The first, and most important reason to apply for a sponsor licence, is that it’s a legal requirement. If you want to hire workers from overseas as a UK business, then you’ll need to abide by the law; applying for a sponsor licence is the first step.
Failing to apply for a licence and then employing foreign workers illegally could lead to penalties such as fines or even imprisonment.
Access Global Talent Pool
The most advantageous reason to apply for a sponsor licence is undoubtedly that it helps a business to access a global talent pool, rather than a national one. While the UK is a multi-cultural nation home to a vast array of skills, your search is limited to anyone with British citizenship. Widening your search for talent around the world will allow you to access more skills, cultures, and languages. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with interests in global markets.
Avoid Staff Shortages
Businesses that experience high demand in certain periods of the year are susceptible to staff shortages. A great example is delivery companies over the Christmas period. During times like this, there may simply not be enough supply to meet the demand for workers during peak times. Applying for a sponsor license allows businesses to correct such shortages by advertising temporary jobs to potential candidates who’d be interested in relocating for a temporary period.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, more information on sponsor licences can be found on the UK government website. There are many specialist immigration lawyers in London who would also be able to provide expert advice on the topic of hiring foreign workers. It’s imperative that you don’t take chances in this area, as the penalties can be severe if your company is found to be breaking immigration laws.
