Post-Brexit sponsor system for migrant workers – the essentials

The government is pressing ahead with the UK’s points-based immigration system, which will come into effect from 1 January 2021 once freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has ended and Brexit takes effect.

The system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy. Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.

The points-based system will include a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor. It is similar to the current Tier 2 (General) migrants, but there are some key differences.

Jobs offered will need to be at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A-level). There will also be the need to be able to speak English. The minimum general salary threshold will be reduced to £25,600.

Where jobs pay less than this – but no less than £20,480 – it may be possible to ‘trade’ points on specific characteristics against the salary; for example, if the job is in a shortage occupation (these are listed on the government website) or a migrant has a PhD relevant to the job.

Unfortunately the government has no plans to introduce any route for what they call ‘low skilled workers’. However, the seasonal agricultural visa pilot scheme will be expanded to recognise the significant reliance this sector has on low-skilled temporary workers.

What do employers need to know?

The impact of the changes should not be underestimated by employers wishing to employ workers from abroad. This is especially true for employers wishing to employ EU workers once freedom of movement ends on 31 December 2020.

If you wish to recruit EU or non-EU migrants from 1 January 2021, you will need to have a sponsor licence. If you do not already have one, the advice is to take action now. The government says: “If you’re an employer planning to sponsor skilled migrants from 2021, and are not currently an approved sponsor, you should consider getting approved now.”

Full details of how the scheme will work is given in the government’s policy statement.