Migrant Workers

As more and more businesses are employing migrant workers to supplement their workforce, it is important that you are aware of the rules to avoid getting a hefty fine.

 

Things you need to know:

 

You must gain proof from ALL potential employees (including British nationals) of their right to work in the UK, and keep evidence in their personnel files.  For a list of acceptable documents, see www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk

 

Nationals from the following countries have full freedom to work in the UK:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

 

Nationals from the following countries require a Worker Registration Certificate which must be applied for within 30 days of commencing employment

Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia.

 

Nationals from Romania and Bulgaria

Need authorisation before starting work.

 

National Insurance Number (NINO)

You can employ a migrant worker who does not have a NINO, but they must apply straight away and can do so through Jobcentre Plus or for more information, contact the NINO Helpline – 0845 0106677 or www.dwp.gov.uk

 

Failure to comply can result in a £5,000 fine per worker.

 

Other useful contacts include:

 

www.migrantworkersnorthwest.org
www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Work permit enquiries – 0114 259 4074

Public enquiry office – 0151 237 0473 0405

Employers Helpline – 0845 010 6677

 

For more information contact Alyson Rhind 01539 825046 or arhind@cumbriatourism.org


Non EU Workers

 

The first part of the Immigration Points Based System (PBS) went live on February 29th this year.

 

The PBS is a method of deciding whether your applicant qualifies to come to work, train or study in the United Kingdom under a five tier system. To qualify, they must earn a certain number of points in various categories.

 

Tier 1: Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity

Tier 2: Skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in the United Kingdom workforce

Tier 3: Limited numbers of low skilled workers needed to fill temporary labour shortages

Tier 4: Students

Tier 5: Youth mobility and temporary workers: people allowed to work in the United Kingdom for a limited period of time to satisfy primarily non-economic objectives.

 

Employers have to register for a certificate of sponsorship which will enable them to produce their own work permits once applicants have met the relevant criteria. Applicants will still require a Visa.

 

For more information see:

 

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

The Employers Helpline 0845 010 6677

Practical support for your migrant employee