Hiring and Sponsoring Care Workers and Home Carers (SOC Code 6135)

The UK's ageing population and increasing demand for social care services have led to a significant shortage of care workers and home carers. Classified under SOC Code 6135, these professionals provide essential support to individuals who require assistance with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. If you're an HR professional looking to sponsor non-UK workers for these roles, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of hiring and sponsoring care workers and home carers under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 6135 for Care Workers and Home Carers?

SOC Code 6135 covers care workers and home carers who support individuals in their homes or in care facilities. Their responsibilities include:

• Assisting with personal care: Helping clients with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Administering medication: Providing prescribed medications under supervision.
• Emotional support: Offering companionship and emotional assistance.
• Household tasks: Assisting with cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
• Health monitoring: Observing and reporting changes in clients' health conditions.

These professionals are crucial for maintaining the well-being and quality of life of vulnerable individuals, making them indispensable to the healthcare sector.

Eligibility to Hire Care Workers and Home Carers (SOC Code 6135)

If you're considering hiring non-UK care workers and home carers, you must ensure that both the role and the candidates meet the eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Care workers and home carers must meet certain qualifications and experience requirements to be eligible for sponsorship. These may include:

• Relevant qualifications: Such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
• Experience: Previous work in a care setting or similar role.
• Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to work empathetically with clients.
• Regulatory compliance: Understanding of UK healthcare regulations and safeguarding practices.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 6135 and that the candidate's qualifications meet the role's requirements.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a care worker or home carer under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. The general minimum salary threshold is £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, care workers and home carers are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which reduces the salary threshold to 80% of the usual minimum. This means the minimum salary requirement for these roles is £20,960 per year.

Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

3. Immigration Salary List

Being on the Immigration Salary List simplifies the sponsorship process for employers hiring care workers and home carers. Benefits include:

• Lower salary thresholds: Reduced to 80% of the standard requirement.
• Reduced visa fees: Potentially lower costs for the visa application.

For more information, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Care Workers and Home Carers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you've confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to sponsor care workers and home carers under SOC Code 6135.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire non-UK workers, your organisation must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence allows you to legally sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving your business is legitimate and that you have a genuine vacancy. For detailed guidance, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Costs vary depending on your organisation's size. Small businesses typically pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. See sponsor licence fees for more information.
• Processing Time: Applications usually take up to 8 weeks. The Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite this to around 10 working days.

After approval, you'll receive a sponsor licence number, enabling you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to candidates.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

With your sponsor licence, you can now assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the care worker or home carer. This digital document contains essential details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for workers applying from outside the UK and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship.
• Required Documents: Provide the candidate's passport details, job offer, and salary information. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is assigned, the candidate can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary based on the role and visa length. Use the visa fees calculator to estimate costs.
• Immigration Skills Charge: As the employer, you're required to pay this charge, which is separate from visa fees.

Note: Care workers and home carers may be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers reduced fees and faster processing times.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Care Workers and Home Carers

Before the candidate starts work, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they're legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents like passports and visas.
• Online Right to Work Check: Use the UK government's online system for workers with an eVisa.

For detailed instructions, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws is crucial after hiring.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Keep up-to-date records of employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report significant changes like promotions or salary adjustments via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Care Workers and Home Carers

Navigating the sponsorship process can be complex, but Borderless is here to help.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

We offer assistance with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Ensuring all documents are correctly submitted.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the process.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance, get in touch for personalised guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring care workers and home carers under SOC Code 6135 involves several steps but can help you meet the growing demand for care services. By following this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while remaining compliant with UK regulations.

For further assistance, Borderless is ready to support you. Contact us for expert advice.