Changes to the Skilled Worker route for care workers and senior care workers will come into effect from 9 April 2025.
These adjustments aim to address the increasing number of workers in this pathway who lack sponsorship due to their sponsors either failing to provide adequate work or losing their sponsor licenses.
New recruitment requirement for sponsors
Under the new rules, care sector sponsors in England must prioritise recruiting from a pool of skilled workers already in the UK who need new sponsorship before an employer can hire from other immigration routes or overseas.
To enforce this, sponsors must obtain confirmation from the relevant regional or sub-regional partnership that they have attempted to recruit from this pool before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. These adjustments only apply to care jobs based entirely in England. Applications for positions in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland remain unaffected.
Impact on existing sponsored workers
This change does not prevent employers from continuing to sponsor or hire:
- Workers who are already sponsored in these occupations,
- Those switching from other immigration routes who have been working lawfully for their sponsor for at least three months.
Increased minimum salary requirement
From 9 April 2025, the minimum salary threshold for care worker and senior care worker sponsorship will increase from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). Sponsors need to bear this in mind when planning to issue Certificates of Sponsorship from this date onwards.
Additional burdens for sponsors
These changes will introduce additional administrative steps for care sponsors, who must ensure that they meet the new requirement to secure confirmation from the partnership before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to a new hire.
Sponsors will also need to factor in the increased salary requirement when planning recruitment from 9 April 2025 onwards and the effect this may have on the pay for current employees.
How we can help
At ESP Solicitors, we specialise in supporting care sector employers with Skilled Worker visa compliance, sponsorship duties, and employment law challenges. Our team can help you understand your obligations, manage the administrative burden, and ensure your recruitment processes meet the latest requirements.
For expert legal support and guidance, get in touch with our team today.
