Hiring and Sponsoring Managers and Proprietors in Forestry, Fishing, and Related Services (SOC Code 1212)

As the demand for sustainable practices and natural resource management grows, hiring skilled managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services is becoming increasingly important. These professionals, categorized under SOC Code 1212, are crucial for overseeing operations, ensuring environmental sustainability, and maintaining regulatory compliance in forestry and fishing industries. If you're an HR professional looking to sponsor non-UK workers for these roles, this guide will walk you through the steps of the sponsorship process, ensuring a smooth and compliant hiring experience.

What is SOC Code 1212 for Managers and Proprietors in Forestry, Fishing, and Related Services?

SOC Code 1212 encompasses managers and proprietors responsible for running forestry, fishing, and related operations. Their responsibilities often include:

• Overseeing the sustainable management of forests and fishing areas.
• Managing staff, resources, and equipment.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Developing and implementing strategies for long-term sustainability and profitability.

These managers and proprietors are integral to industries that rely on careful management of natural resources to balance economic interests with environmental preservation.

Eligibility to Hire Managers and Proprietors in Forestry, Fishing, and Related Services (SOC Code 1212)

Hiring workers from outside the UK for this role requires meeting the specific eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office, particularly for the Skilled Worker Visa.

1. Job Requirements

Managers and proprietors in forestry and fishing operations must have specific qualifications and experience, including:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in forestry, fishing, environmental management, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in managing forestry, fishing, or related services.
• Knowledge of sustainable practices, environmental laws, and industry-specific regulations.

When sponsoring non-UK workers, you must ensure that their qualifications align with the job description for SOC Code 1212.

2. Salary Thresholds

For roles under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet specific salary requirements. The minimum salary threshold is generally £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher. However, since managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services are on the Shortage Occupation List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, bringing it down to £20,960 per year.

This reduced threshold applies because managers and proprietors under SOC Code 1212 are listed on the immigration salary list as a shortage occupation. You can use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets the immigration requirements.

3. Shortage Occupation List

Because this role is listed on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, sponsoring a manager or proprietor for this position is more streamlined. The shortage occupation status reduces both the minimum salary threshold and visa fees, making it easier for employers to hire skilled workers from overseas.

More information on salaries for shortage occupations can be found in the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Managers and Proprietors: 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 managers or proprietors under SOC Code 1212.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring a non-UK worker, your company must first apply for a sponsor licence. This allows your organization to legally sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Sponsor Licence Application: You’ll need to submit documentation that proves your business is legitimate and meets the criteria for sponsoring workers. To learn more about the application process, see this sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Depending on the size of your business, the fee for a sponsor licence can vary. Small businesses typically pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. For a detailed breakdown of fees, visit sponsor licence fees.
• Processing Time: Applications for sponsor licences generally take up to 8 weeks, though the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite the process, reducing the wait time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, your company will be issued a sponsor licence number, which you’ll need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to your new hire.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After receiving your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to your new hire. A CoS is a digital document containing information about the job and the worker.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Depending on whether the worker is applying from outside the UK or already residing within the UK, you will need to assign a Defined CoS (for workers outside the UK) or an Undefined CoS (for workers inside the UK). Learn more about the types of CoS in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: HR professionals must submit several documents when assigning a CoS, such as the candidate’s passport, job offer details, and salary information. For a complete list of documents, see the guide on Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued, the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa. They will need to submit their visa application, pay the appropriate visa fees, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Visa Fees: Visa fees can vary depending on the length of the visa and whether the role is on the shortage occupation list. You can calculate the costs using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are also required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge for hiring non-UK workers. This charge is separate from visa fees and is part of the employer’s responsibility when sponsoring overseas workers.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Managers and Proprietors

Once the worker has obtained their visa and is ready to start work, HR professionals must conduct a right to work check. This is a legal requirement for all UK employers and helps ensure that your new hire has the legal right to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: This involves reviewing original documents such as the worker’s passport and visa.
• Online Right to Work Check: For workers holding an eVisa, HR professionals can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work status.

For more guidance on conducting this check correctly, refer to the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Once you’ve hired a manager or proprietor in forestry, fishing, or related services, it’s essential to remain compliant with UK immigration laws. Below are some post-hiring responsibilities that HR must oversee:

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of your sponsored worker’s employment details, including their job title, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes to the worker’s role (e.g., promotions, salary adjustments, or job title changes) must be reported to the Home Office through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Maintaining compliance with your sponsor licence duties is critical. Failure to do so could result in penalties or even sponsor licence revocation, which would jeopardize your ability to sponsor overseas workers.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Managers and Proprietors

Hiring and sponsoring managers and proprietors under SOC Code 1212 can be a complex process, but Borderless is here to assist you at every stage. We provide comprehensive support for HR professionals, helping them navigate the sponsorship process and stay compliant with UK immigration laws.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

Borderless can assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: We’ll guide you through the process and ensure that all required documentation is submitted to the Home Office.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Our platform simplifies the process of assigning CoS to your new hires, ensuring everything is compliant and streamlined.
• Compliance Management: We help you manage your sponsorship duties and compliance requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential licence revocation.

Case Studies and Testimonials

We’ve helped numerous businesses successfully sponsor skilled workers in forestry, fishing, and related services. Our clients benefit from the ease and expertise that Borderless brings to managing the complex process of UK immigration sponsorship.

For more information or to get personalized advice on hiring managers or proprietors in forestry and fishing, get in touch with us today.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services under SOC Code 1212 requires careful planning and compliance with UK immigration regulations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your HR team can ensure a successful sponsorship process while meeting all legal requirements.

If you need additional help with your sponsorship duties, Borderless offers full support to ensure your business stays compliant with Home Office rules. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.