Hiring and Sponsoring Carpenters and Joiners (SOC Code 5316)

Carpenters and joiners, classified under SOC Code 5316, are highly skilled professionals essential to the construction industry, responsible for building and installing structures made of wood and other materials. Their work ranges from framing buildings to crafting custom furniture, making them indispensable in sectors such as residential construction, commercial development, and renovation projects. With a growing demand for skilled carpenters and joiners, many UK employers are seeking to recruit talent from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring carpenters and joiners under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5316 for Carpenters and Joiners?

SOC Code 5316 covers carpenters and joiners who specialize in constructing, installing, and repairing wooden structures. Their key responsibilities include:

• Reading blueprints: Understanding architectural plans and technical specifications.
• Measuring and cutting materials: Accurately measuring and cutting wood and other materials for construction.
• Building frameworks: Assembling frameworks for buildings, including walls, floors, and roofs.
• Installing fixtures: Fitting doors, windows, staircases, and other structural elements.
• Crafting custom pieces: Building custom furniture, cabinetry, and detailed woodwork for interior projects.

Carpenters and joiners are vital to any construction or renovation project, providing the craftsmanship required to build both structural and decorative elements.

Eligibility to Hire Carpenters and Joiners (SOC Code 5316)

Hiring carpenters and joiners from outside the UK requires meeting the eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Carpenters and joiners must meet specific qualifications and experience requirements to qualify for sponsorship, including:

• Vocational qualifications: Certification in carpentry or joinery from recognized training programs or apprenticeships.
• Professional experience: A track record of working in construction or woodworking, including experience in both structural and finish carpentry.
• Skills: Proficiency in using tools and machinery for woodworking, interpreting blueprints, and installing fixtures.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 5316 and that the candidate’s qualifications and experience are suitable for the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a carpenter or joiner 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, carpenters and joiners are listed on the Immigration Salary List, reducing the salary threshold to 80% of the usual minimum. This brings the required salary to £20,960 per year.

You can use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

3. Immigration Salary List

Carpenters and joiners are on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. Benefits include:

• Lower salary thresholds: Reduced to 80% of the standard requirement.
• Reduced visa fees: Carpenters and joiners on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from lower visa application fees.

For more details, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Carpenters and Joiners: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve determined that the role and candidate meet the eligibility criteria, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsor carpenters and joiners under SOC Code 5316.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK carpenters or joiners, your business must apply for a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit the necessary documentation proving that your business is legitimate and that you have a genuine vacancy. For further details, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: The fees depend on the size of your business. Small businesses usually pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. More information can be found in the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Sponsor licence applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite the process to around 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you’ll receive a sponsor licence number, allowing you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After obtaining a sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the carpenter or joiner. This document contains essential details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: A Defined CoS is for candidates applying from outside the UK, while an Undefined CoS is for candidates already residing in the UK. For more information, see the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: You’ll need to provide key documents such as the candidate’s qualifications, passport, and job offer. Visit Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for more details.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is assigned, the carpenter or joiner can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the length of employment and the specific role. Use the visa fees calculator to calculate the applicable fees.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Carpenters and Joiners

Before the carpenter or joiner starts work, employers must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally permitted to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents, such as passports and visas.
• Online Right to Work Check: For candidates holding an eVisa, use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work status.

For more information, visit the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

After hiring, employers must comply with ongoing immigration laws to maintain their sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Keep up-to-date records of the worker’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the worker’s employment status, such as promotions or salary increases, via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties could result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Carpenters and Joiners

Sponsoring carpenters and joiners under SOC Code 5316 can be a complex process, but Borderless simplifies it by offering comprehensive support to guide you through every step of the sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Ensuring all documents are submitted correctly and on time.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to expedite hiring.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with UK immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If your company needs assistance with hiring or sponsoring carpenters and joiners, get in touch for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring carpenters and joiners under SOC Code 5316 is essential for companies in construction and manufacturing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.

For expert advice on managing your sponsorship duties, Borderless is here to support you. Contact us to get started with your sponsorship process.