Right to Work Checks
It is essential that all potential employees have a right to work check completed, regardless of their nationality. This must be conducted before employment commences and it’s recommended to take copies of all right to work documentation at interview stage. If this can only be done on the first day of work, this must be done first thing, before they start any work. The certified copy must be dated and timed. Separate evidence must then be presented to demonstrate that the individual did not start work before the check was undertaken. For example:
Mr S is due to start work on 1 September. Prior to this date, the department send Mr S a Welcome Letter which details that he should arrive for work at 9.30am, and will start work at 10am following completion of the right to work check. The right to work check is undertaken at 9.40am, and his passport and visa are dated and timed accordingly. On this basis he is free to start work at 10am. The certified copies of right to work and a copy of the welcome letter must be sent to the HR New Appointment Team for the contract to be issued.
Read on for further information on right to work checks and guidance on completing the checks.
Visas and Immigration
The Compliance Team are able to provide guidance on UK immigration law relating to employees, workers and visitors. Their comprehensive webpages are designed to help departments ensure that new staff have the right to work in the UK before they commence work. Following this guidance will help departments to stay within immigration law and it will help appointments to be made more smoothly. These pages also explain the processes to follow when appointing someone who needs to obtain right to work and the different types of visa available.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once a job offer has been made to an individual who will require a Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2 visa) to gain right to work in the UK, the first step for departments is to request a CoS from the Compliance Team. Only once a CoS has been issued can the potential employee apply for their visa.
Visa Loan Scheme
Current and prospective staff members have access to the Visa Loan Scheme, which provides loans of up £8,000 to use towards meeting the costs associated with a Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2 visas) for staff members and their dependants. Full details including the application procedure and eligibility criteria can be found below.
Global Mobility and Overseas Assignments
The Global Mobility Team support with the movement of people of people, including planning and budgeting in advance of any relocation/recruitment. The processes put in place aim to raise awareness of tax, compliance, payroll and immigration concerns, as well as personal matters that may arise, thereby reducing the risk of financial or immigration penalties being incurred and protecting the University’s reputation whilst facilitating the movement of employees.
If you have any questions surrounding visas and immigration, contact your HR Staff Hub Co-ordinator in the first instance.
