Hiring and Sponsoring Stonemasons and Related Trades (SOC Code 5312)

Bricklayers, categorized under SOC Code 5313, are essential to the construction industry, responsible for building walls, foundations, and structures using bricks, blocks, and other masonry materials. With construction booming across the UK, the demand for skilled bricklayers has surged, leading many employers to seek out non-UK workers to fill critical roles. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring bricklayers under the UK immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5313 for Bricklayers?

SOC Code 5313 refers to skilled bricklayers responsible for constructing and repairing buildings and other structures using bricks, blocks, and related materials. Their key duties include:

• Laying bricks and blocks to create walls, foundations, and structures.
• Interpreting building plans and specifications to ensure accurate construction.
• Using hand tools to cut, shape, and smooth bricks.
• Ensuring that the finished masonry work meets safety and quality standards.

Bricklayers are critical to residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, making them a valuable asset in the construction industry.

Eligibility to Hire Bricklayers (SOC Code 5313)

If your company is looking to sponsor non-UK bricklayers, you must follow specific requirements under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Bricklayers must possess particular skills and experience to qualify for sponsorship. Common qualifications and requirements include:

• A completed apprenticeship or vocational qualification in bricklaying.
• Practical experience in building and construction, with a focus on masonry work.
• Knowledge of construction safety standards and building codes.

When hiring bricklayers under SOC Code 5313, ensure that candidates meet these qualifications and have the relevant hands-on experience to perform the job effectively.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a bricklayer under the Skilled Worker Visa, the role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. Typically, this threshold is £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since bricklayers are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum. This means the minimum salary requirement for bricklayers is £20,960 per year. This reduction reflects the high demand for bricklayers across the UK.

You can use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

3. Immigration Salary List

Bricklayers are on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. This offers benefits such as:

• Lower salary thresholds: As noted earlier, the salary requirement is reduced to 80% of the standard threshold.
• Reduced visa fees: Workers applying for roles on the Immigration Salary List benefit from lower visa fees compared to other roles.

To learn more about salaries for roles listed on the Immigration Salary List, refer to the immigration salary list.

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

Once you’ve determined the eligibility of the role and candidate, here is a step-by-step guide to successfully sponsoring bricklayers under SOC Code 5313.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire non-UK workers, your company must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence allows your business to legally sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: To apply, you must submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. For more details on the process, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: The cost of a sponsor licence varies based on the size of your business. Small companies usually pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. You can find a full breakdown of the costs in the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Sponsor licence applications generally take up to 8 weeks. However, if you need faster processing, 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, allowing you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to workers.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After obtaining your sponsor licence, your next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the bricklayer. This certificate is a digital document containing details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: If the worker is applying from outside the UK, you will need to assign a Defined CoS. If they are already in the UK, you’ll need an Undefined CoS. Learn more about the differences in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: HR professionals must submit several documents when assigning a CoS, including the worker’s passport, job offer, and salary details. For a full list of the required documents, refer to the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship guide.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS has been assigned, the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa. This involves submitting a visa application, paying visa fees, and covering the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Visa Fees: The fees vary depending on the role and the duration of employment. To estimate the costs, use the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are also responsible for paying the Immigration Skills Charge when sponsoring non-UK workers. This fee is separate from visa costs and forms part of the employer’s obligations.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Bricklayers

Once the worker receives their visa and is ready to start working, it is crucial to conduct a right to work check. This is a legal requirement for all employers in the UK to ensure that their employees have the legal right to work.

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

For more information on how to perform these checks, refer to the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Sponsoring a bricklayer doesn’t end with visa approval. Once the worker is employed, your company must remain compliant with UK immigration laws to maintain its sponsor licence in good standing.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: HR teams must maintain up-to-date records of all sponsored workers, including employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes in the worker’s employment, such as promotions, salary changes, or changes in their job title, must be reported to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

To avoid penalties or losing your sponsor licence, it’s essential to comply with your sponsor licence duties. Failing to meet compliance requirements could lead to sponsor licence revocation, which could impact your ability to hire overseas workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Bricklayers

Sponsoring bricklayers under SOC Code 5313 can be a complex process, but Borderless can help simplify it. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the sponsorship process, from applying for a sponsor licence to maintaining compliance with UK immigration regulations.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: We guide you through the process of applying for a sponsor licence and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Our platform streamlines the CoS assignment process, making it easier for you to hire skilled workers.
• Compliance Management: We help manage your sponsor licence compliance, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring bricklayers, feel free to get in touch for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring bricklayers under SOC Code 5313 involves several steps, from obtaining a sponsor licence to ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business can successfully hire skilled bricklayers from overseas and ensure compliance with Home Office regulations.

For further guidance, Borderless offers full support for navigating the sponsorship process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.