Hiring and Sponsoring Painters and decorators (SOC Code 5323)

Painters and Decorators, classified under SOC Code 5323, are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the application of finishes to surfaces and the decoration of interior and exterior spaces. Their role encompasses various tasks, including:

• Erecting Working Platforms: Safely constructing scaffolding or working platforms up to five metres in height to facilitate access to ceilings and high walls.
• Surface Preparation: Thoroughly preparing surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and filling cracks and holes with suitable fillers, ensuring a smooth finish for painting or covering.
• Applications of Coatings: Skillfully applying primer, undercoats, and finishing coats using a variety of tools such as brushes, rollers, or spray equipment for a professional finish.
• Wall Covering Installation: Mixing adhesives or removing self-adhesive backing to expertly position covering materials on walls, matching patterns where applicable and ensuring a wrinkle-free application by hand or with a brush.
• Wood Finishing: Staining, waxing, and applying French polish to wood surfaces by hand, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and protection of wooden elements.

With a thriving construction and renovation environment in the UK, the demand for qualified painters and decorators remains high. Many employers seek to bring in talented workers from abroad to meet this increasing need. This guide will assist HR professionals in the journey of hiring and sponsoring painters and decorators under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Painters and decorators?

SOC Code 5323 refers to painters and decorators who transform and maintain interior and exterior surfaces through various techniques. Their responsibilities can include:

• Erecting working platforms: Setting up scaffolding or ladders to access high areas safely, typically up to five metres in height.
• Preparing surfaces: Cleaning, sanding, and filling cracks and holes with appropriate materials to ensure a smooth base for painting or decorating.
• Applying coatings: Using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment to apply primer, undercoats, and finishing coats effectively.
• Positioning covering materials: Mixing adhesives or handling self-adhesive backing to accurately position wallpaper or other decorative materials, ensuring patterns align and air bubbles are removed.
• Finishing wood surfaces: Staining, waxing, and French polishing wood elements by hand to enhance their appearance and durability.

Painters and decorators play a vital role in the aesthetics and functionality of spaces, contributing to both residential and commercial environments.

Eligibility to Hire Painters and decorators (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Painters and decorators must exhibit a diverse skill set and meet specific qualifications to excel in their role. Key requirements include:

• Experience in Surface Preparation: Demonstrated ability to effectively clean, sand, and fill surfaces, ensuring they are ready for finishing.
• Application Skills: Proficiency in applying primer, undercoat, and finishing coats using various techniques including brush, roller, or spray equipment.
• Knowledge of Adhesives and Material Placement: Skill in mixing adhesives or working with self-adhesive materials, ensuring correct positioning and alignment, particularly in patterned coverings.
• Wood Treatment Expertise: Experience in staining, waxing, and French polishing wood surfaces, contributing to high-quality finishes.
• Working at Heights: Comfort and capability to safely erect and work from platforms or scaffolding up to five metres in height.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality and precision in all aspects of work to maintain high standards in finishing and patterns.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively to meet project deadlines while maintaining quality.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 5323 and that the candidate’s experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Painters and decorators: 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 Painters and decorators under SOC Code 5323.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Painters and decorators, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Painters and decorators 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 Painters and decorators. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Painters and decorators 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 Painters and decorators’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 Painters and decorators 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 Painters and decorators

Before the Painters and decorators 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 Painters and decorators’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Painters and decorators 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 Painters and decorators’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Painters and decorators’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 Painters and decoratorss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Painters and decorators

Sponsoring Painters and decorators under SOC Code 5323 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 Painters and decorators, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Painters and decorators under SOC Code 5323 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.