International / Sponsored Recruitment – rule changes.
As of the 9th of April 2025, there are changes to the rules governing the employment of International / Sponsored employees. Please be aware of the changes and ensure that you are acting correctly.
From the 9th April, CQC registered adult social care providers in England wanting to recruit a new worker from overseas, or those switching from another visa route, will have to first prove that they have attempted to recruit a worker from within the UK who is already in the route and needs new sponsorship, IE, a displaced worker.
To access these displaced workers, contact the local hub through the guidance that you already have (or, through your local authority if you do not have the details) and they will be able to link you into the process.
International / Sponsored workers already sponsored under SOC 6135 & SOC 6136 are not affected by the new rules where they are changing from one provider to another, so long as the individual concerned has been working for them for 3 months. Sponsorship renewal carries on as previously.
Salary requirements have also been raised by The Home Office. The minimum salary level is now £25,000 (£12.82 / hr at a 37.5 hr working week).
