Change in policy needed to address worker shortage - claim

Sponsoring overseas workers for roles such as lorry drivers and care home workers isn 't an option for many businesses unless there is a change in government policy, an immigration lawyer has warned.

The UK is experiencing a well-publicised shortage of lorry drivers due to EU nationals leaving the country or not having the relevant status to work here.

And Julie Moktadir (pictured), head of immigration at Stone King, explains that lorry drivers are among the roles not eligible for sponsorship.

It is a similar situation for care workers - with Ms Moktadir warning that many care homes simply cannot afford to sponsor those not in senior positions.

She explains that, unless there is a change of government policy, sponsoring either of these roles isn 't an option.

She said: “Currently there are simply not enough lorry drivers in the UK as a result of so many EU nationals leaving the UK or not having the relevant status to work in the UK, ” said Julie.

“Lorry drivers are not, however, an eligible role for sponsorship so vacancies can 't be filled through this route.

“Only jobs that are eligible can be sponsored - the job must have a four-digit occupation code and be on the workers relevant list of 'skilled workers '.

“We act for a number of schools and charities who have applied for sponsor licences - fortunately many of the roles are eligible.

“Care homes and those working within the care sector are facing significant shortages of workers.

“This is particularly so for care workers.

“Currently only senior care workers on a salary of £16,900 per annum (or £10.10 an hour) can be sponsored.

“With many care workers receiving the national living wage of £8.91 per hour, many care homes can simply not afford to sponsor. ”

Organisations wanting sponsorship or immigration advice can contact Julie on 0800 111 4336 or email [email protected].