The UK art world has long enjoyed and benefited from its’ international workforce. Now that the BREXIT process is complete, many employers are left wondering if a skills gap will emerge and if so, how they can engage talent from outside the UK.
Free movement with the European Union (EU) ended on 31 December 2020 and there are new arrangements for EU citizens.
For EU employees who arrive to live and work in the UK after 1st January 2021, a visa will be required under the UK Government’s new points-based immigration system. These employees will be able to provide their employer with a ‘check code’ for an online system to prove their immigration and visa status as part of a Right to Work check – and the visa itself will only be issued to skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.
The new UK’s points-based system treats EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy. Irish citizens can continue to freely enter, live and work in the UK.
Skilled workers
The points-based system includes a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor. If you’re not already a licensed sponsor and you think you’ll want to sponsor migrants through the skilled worker route, you should apply now https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers
The job offered will need to be at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level). The employee will also need to be able to speak English and be paid the relevant salary threshold. This will either be the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher.
If employees earn less than this – but no less than £20,480 – you may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against salary. For example, if they have a job offer in a shortage occupation or have a PhD relevant to the job.
There is no general route for employers to recruit at or near the minimum wage.
Global talent scheme
The global talent scheme has been opened up to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. It allows highly skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.
International Graduates
A new graduate immigration route will be available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK from summer 2021. Graduates will be able to work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to 2 years, or 3 years if they are a PhD graduate. This is great news for all of the international art world students.
If your business requires further clarification on any of these points then please do get in touch info@drawrecruitment.com.
Notes from DRAW · 07.01.2021
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Sarah Monk is the Director of London Art Fair, which encompasses museum quality Modern British art and international and emerging contemporary art.
