The way you hire from Europe is changing

From 1 January 2021, free movement in Europe will end and the UK will introduce a points-based immigration system.

The new system is designed to treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and transform how all migrants come to the UK to work. Anyone coming to the UK to work – excluding Irish citizens – will need to apply for permission in advance.

The Government has published guidance about the new points-based system and created a podcast to help you quickly get to grips with the new rules.

• If you hire people from outside the UK
• If you already have employees from the EU
• How does the points system work?
• Listen to podcast

If you hire people from outside the UK

From 1 January 2021, you’ll need to register as a licensed sponsor to hire eligible people from outside the UK.

To find out about becoming a sponsor and who you can hire from outside the UK, read the Government guidance:

🌐 Gov.uk | Thinking of hiring from the EU next year?

If you already have employees from the EU

The new system does not apply to EU citizens already working for you in the UK.

How does the points system work?

The new points-based immigration system sets requirements for the job, salary and English language level of the employee you’re hiring from outside the UK.

The Government has published information for employers to explain how it works:

📄 Gov.uk | Download guide (PDF)
🌐 Gov.uk | Read guide (webpage)

Listen to podcast

The Home Office has created a podcast about the new points-based immigration system and what it means for businesses and individuals.

If you hire from outside the UK, listening to the podcast is a quick way to find out the key things you need to know and get useful guidance from the panel:

• Philippa Rouse
  Director of Border and Immigration Policy, Home Office
• Emelia Quist
  Head of Immigration Policy, Federation of Small Businesses
• Ian Robinson
  Partner, Fragomen (immigration lawyers)

🎧 Listen now | Podcast (on Apple Podcasts)

Have your say

Do you recruit from the EU? What do you think about the changes to how you hire from outside the UK? How will this affect your business? We’re keen to hear from you – get in touch with us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

Main image: HM Government