Hiring and Sponsoring Caretakers (SOC Code 6232)

Caretakers, classified under SOC Code 6232, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of various premises. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks that are vital for maintaining a conducive environment. The following points outline the key duties of caretakers:

• Locks and Unlocks Doors: Ensures that all entrances are securely managed and accessible at designated times.
• Supervises Cleaning and Maintenance: Oversees or personally handles the cleaning tasks and general maintenance of the premises.
• Controls Heating, Lighting, and Security Systems: Manages the operational parameters of essential systems to maintain comfortable and safe conditions.
• Undertakes Minor Repairs: Completes simple repair tasks to prevent bigger issues and promptly communicates the need for major repairs to the owner.
• Checks Fire and Safety Equipment: Regularly inspects safety apparatus to ensure they are functioning properly and compliant with safety regulations.

With the increasing emphasis on health, safety, and maintenance, the demand for skilled caretakers is rising. This guide aims to support HR professionals in effectively hiring and sponsoring caretakers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Caretakers?

SOC Code 6232 refers to caretakers who are responsible for the overall maintenance and security of a building or premises. Their responsibilities can include:

• Locks and unlocks doors: Ensuring that all entrances are secured and accessible at appropriate times.
• Supervises and/or undertakes cleaning: Managing cleaning tasks and maintaining cleanliness of the premises.
• Controls heating, lighting, and security systems: Monitoring and adjusting systems to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.
• Undertakes minor repairs: Performing basic repairs and maintenance work as needed, and notifying the owner of any major repair requirements.
• Checks fire and safety equipment: Regularly inspecting safety equipment to ensure it is functioning adequately.

Caretakers play a vital role in maintaining the functionality and safety of buildings, ensuring a welcoming and secure environment for occupants and visitors.

Eligibility to Hire Caretakers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Caretakers seeking employment must demonstrate their ability to maintain and supervise facilities while meeting specific qualifications and experience criteria. These may include:

• Experience in Facility Management: Prior experience in a caretaker, janitorial, or similar role involving facility maintenance.
• Cleaning and Maintenance Skills: Proficiency in cleaning techniques, equipment, and maintenance procedures for various types of premises.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with heating, lighting, and security systems, including the ability to troubleshoot minor issues.
• Repair Skills: Aptitude for undertaking minor repairs and knowledge of when to alert management for major repairs.
• Safety Awareness: Understanding of fire and safety regulations, with experience in checking and maintaining safety equipment.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 6232 and that the caretaker’s experience and abilities meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

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

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Caretakers under SOC Code 6232.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Caretakers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Caretakers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

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

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Caretakers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Caretakers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Caretakers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Caretakers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Caretakers

Before the Caretakers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Caretakers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Caretakers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Caretakers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Caretakers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Caretakerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Caretakers

Sponsoring Caretakers under SOC Code 6232 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Caretakers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Caretakers under SOC Code 6232 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.