Changes to how restaurants can sponsor chefs
More restaurants can now sponsor chefs under Tier 2
If you own or manage a restaurant, we can understand the importance of preparing food that is as flavoursome and as authentic as possible, which is why we offer specialist immigration services to help you sponsor highly experienced chefs from all over the world to help you achieve that goal.
The system for restaurants to sponsor chefs under the Shortage of Occupation (SOC) list
Highly skilled chefs are currently under the SOC list; due to this, the immigration rules favour companies wishing to sponsor skilled chefs by lifting the company’s requirement to carry out the resident labour market test.
Companies that wish to hire non-EEA chefs will not have to prove that they have tried to fill the vacancy elsewhere; they must simply identify a suitable migrant and apply for a sponsorship licence.
How has this changed since 6 October 2019?
Prior to 6 October 2019, takeaway delivery service establishments did not enjoy the benefit of the exemption of the resident labour market test; they were required to advertise their vacancies for a period of at least 28 days to offer the role to a settled or EEA worker instead.
However, as per the statement of changes to the immigration rules, after 6 October 2019, takeaway service establishments are now able to apply for a sponsorship licence to sponsor overseas skilled chefs without having to undergo the resident labour market test.
This change is excellent news for food establishments – it now means more companies with a food takeaway service will benefit from the more relaxed shortage of occupation rules. This is likely to attract companies to sponsor skilled chefs from all across the globe.
What is a suitable migrant?
The job vacancy should require, for a skilled chef, at least 5 years of experience in a role that is similar to the vacancy you wish to fill.
How can we help?
As specialists in business immigration, NA Law has a track record of successful sponsorship licence applications, from start-up companies obtaining their first licence or multi-national corporations seeking a sponsorship licence for their UK branch.
This means we also recognise the significance of the above change – the immigration rules are slowly aligning with the growing technological developments of the food industry. As more and more food establishments adapt to the trend of online ordering and delivery services, the somewhat outdated exclusion of takeaway services became more apparent.
Therefore, if you are a food establishment providing a takeaway service seeking to obtain a sponsorship licence, take advantage of this opportunity and hire a highly trained chef to cater to your food standard needs!
We can help you fill out the requisite form and prepare detailed legal representations in support of why you require a sponsorship licence in line with your company’s commercial needs and targets. In addition, we will ensure that you are thoroughly aware of your duties as a sponsor (especially if is your first sponsorship licence) by drafting detailed compliance documents that will help you adhere to the immigration rules. Such compliance duties are essential to avoid committing immigration offences and having your sponsorship licence revoked.