Overseas staff licence warning

Anyone seeking staff outside the European Union after November will be unable to do so unless they have a valid licence. And even if you already employ staff on work visas, they will have to leave once the visa expires if you remain unlicensed. Jill Meyerhoff, who runs hospitality recruitment agency Culturepot (www.culturepot.co.uk) and works closely with the Home Office, says the Government is very concerned about the level of take-up of the licences. "The new rules are due to come into force this month and very few employers have got involved. Without a licence you just won't be able to bring in staff from outside the EU – or even hang to those you've already got." The new system is part of sweeping changes to the immigration system that include the introduction of a points-based system for those wanting a permit to work in the UK. Professions on the shortage list are worth extra points, with chefs, for example, likely to be confirmed on the list soon. The changes also mean that employers now have to apply for a licence – a six week process that involves inspection by the Home Office and costs between £300 to £1,000 depending on the size of the company. The advantage is that once licensed, employers can issue work permits directly themselves. For details visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk