SME webinar on understanding the new points-based immigration system

Speakers:

• Jennifer Beckwith, Head of Employment Policy, CBI
• Daniel Petriello, Strategic Engagement Policy, Home Office
• David Ramsbotham, Economic Migration Policy Lead, Home Office
• Deborah Fraser, Regions Director, CBI

Overview:

Jennifer Beckwith:

• These changes to how business hires from overseas are happening at a time when business resilience is low
• Twin challenges of lockdowns, and the looming Brexit deadline mean we know business’ haven’t been able to spend as much time preparing for the new system.
• The CBI has been helping our members to understand the changes, and have launched an employers’ guide to help firms to navigate
• As the system continues to evolve after 1 January 2021, CBI will be making representations to government to ensure the system is responsive to business needs – starting with improving the admin system businesses go through to become licenced sponsors. 

Daniel Petriello and David Ramsbotham:

• As the end of the transition period approaches, its vital that firms know the steps they need to take
• The goal is to deliver a new, fairer, firmer, skills-led system from 1 January when free movement ends with the UK
• The system will focus on the skills individuals can bring to the system, rather than where they bring those skills from.

On skilled workers:

• Anyone coming to the UK will need to demonstrate they meet a specific set of requirements
• There are core criteria that all must hit (English Language proficiency, job offer and an appropriate skill-level), but these can be topped up or traded if they meet other criteria
• This system will retain the ability to increase the attributes that help applicants to meet the threshold.

On sponsorship:

• The Home Office are suspending the cap on numbers, and will no longer issue certificates of sponsorship
• Employers also won’t need to sponsor an EU-national already based in the UK or with settled status
• To become a sponsor, employers need to check if their vacancies are eligible, provide documentation, and pass a criminal convictions check
• The Home Office are looking to overhaul the process and will consult with stakeholders on what the next stage should look like.

Other routes:

• From January 2021, the Global Talent route will be extended to EU nationals on the same basis as applicants from the rest of the world
• Some changes being made here will include expanding the definition of academic research roles, and moving to a points-based system that compliments the changes overall.

From Q&A:

• The Home Office have advised that the time needed to apply for and obtain sponsorship status will be reduced under the new system
• The new system will also enable international businesses to redeploy staff using Intercompany Transfers
• The changes will also allow for easier transferring the visa of a skilled worker, where unlike the old system you won’t need to leave the UK to reapply
• Implementing the recommended changes to the shortage occupations list has been delayed because the gov’t want to first do more analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the domestic labour market.