Hiring and Sponsoring Stonemasons and Related Trades (SOC Code 5312)

Stonemasons and workers in related trades, classified under SOC Code 5312, are vital for constructing, restoring, and repairing stone structures, from historic buildings to modern masonry projects. With a growing demand for skilled workers in this field across the UK, hiring and sponsoring non-UK stonemasons has become a necessary step for many construction and restoration companies. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring stonemasons under the UK immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5312 for Stonemasons and Related Trades?

SOC Code 5312 includes stonemasons and related trades who are responsible for building and repairing stone structures. Their duties often involve:

• Cutting, shaping, and laying stones to create structures like walls, buildings, and monuments.
• Restoring and repairing old and historic stone structures.
• Applying technical and artistic skills to create stone features for architectural projects.
• Working with various stone types like limestone, sandstone, and marble.

These workers are essential for construction projects and the preservation of historic landmarks, making them highly valuable in the UK construction industry.

Eligibility to Hire Stonemasons and Related Trades (SOC Code 5312)

If your company is looking to sponsor non-UK workers for stonemason roles, there are specific eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Stonemasons and related tradespeople must meet particular qualifications and have significant experience in their craft. Common requirements include:

• Completion of an apprenticeship in stonemasonry or relevant qualifications in construction.
• Experience in stone cutting, shaping, and building, as well as familiarity with restoration techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices in the construction industry.

When sponsoring workers under SOC Code 5312, ensure the candidates have the required technical skills and relevant experience to perform the job effectively.

2. Salary Thresholds

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

However, since stonemasons are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold for this role is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, bringing the minimum salary requirement to £20,960 per year. This reduction applies due to the role being in demand in the UK, as recognized by the Immigration Salary List.

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

3. Immigration Salary List

Stonemasons and related trades are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. This designation offers:

• Lower salary thresholds: As noted earlier, the salary requirement is reduced to 80% of the standard threshold.
• Reduced visa fees: Workers applying for roles on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from lower visa fees compared to other roles.

For more details on salaries for roles listed on the Immigration Salary List, check out the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Stonemasons: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you have confirmed the role and the candidate’s eligibility, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsor stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK workers, your company must first obtain a sponsor licence. This licence authorizes employers to sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: You will need to provide documentation to prove that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. For more details on the process, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: The fee for obtaining a sponsor licence depends on the size of your business. Small companies usually pay £536, while larger businesses pay £1,476. You can review the costs in the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: It usually takes up to 8 weeks to process a sponsor licence application, though you can use the Sponsor Licence Priority Service to expedite this to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, your company will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to prospective hires.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After securing a sponsor licence, your next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the stonemason or related tradesperson. This certificate is a digital document containing crucial details about the job and the individual being hired.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: If the worker is applying from outside the UK, you will need a Defined CoS. If the worker is already in the UK, an Undefined CoS will be required. You can learn more about this in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: HR professionals must submit documents such as the worker’s passport details, job offer, and salary information. For a complete list of required documents, refer to the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship guide.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

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

• Visa Fees: The visa fees depend on the role and the duration of the visa. You can use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge as part of sponsoring overseas workers. This fee is separate from visa costs and is the responsibility of the employer.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Stonemasons

Once the worker has received their visa and is ready to start work, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure that they are legally allowed to work in the UK. This is a legal requirement for all employers.

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

For more information on conducting these checks, visit the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Hiring a stonemason or related tradesperson doesn’t end with the visa approval. It’s crucial to stay compliant with UK immigration laws to maintain your sponsor licence in good standing.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: HR teams must keep accurate and up-to-date records for all sponsored workers, including job details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes in the worker’s job, such as promotions, salary increases, or changes in job title, must be reported to the Home Office using the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

To avoid penalties or the revocation of your sponsor licence, it’s critical to comply with your sponsor licence duties. Non-compliance can result in sponsor licence revocation, which would impact your ability to sponsor workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Stonemasons and Related Trades

Sponsoring stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312 can be a detailed and time-consuming process. Borderless is here to simplify this for you by offering comprehensive services to help manage the sponsorship process, from applying for a sponsor licence to maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: We guide you through the sponsor licence application process and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Our platform simplifies the assignment of CoS, making it easy to hire skilled workers.
• Compliance Management: We help you manage sponsor licence compliance, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.

If you need help hiring or sponsoring stonemasons or related trades, get in touch for personalized assistance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312 requires thorough planning and compliance with UK immigration regulations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business can successfully sponsor skilled workers and ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.

For further guidance, Borderless offers full support for navigating the sponsorship process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.