Hiring and Sponsoring Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters (SOC Code 5314)

Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters, categorized under SOC Code 5314, are essential workers in the construction and maintenance of buildings. These skilled professionals install, repair, and maintain roofs on a wide range of structures, ensuring protection from the elements and enhancing the overall aesthetics of buildings. As demand for construction services continues to rise in the UK, many companies are seeking to hire non-UK workers to meet their growing needs. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring roofers, roof tilers, and slaters under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5314 for Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters?

SOC Code 5314 encompasses skilled roofers, roof tilers, and slaters who are responsible for constructing, maintaining, and repairing roofs. Their duties often include:

• Installing new roofs using various materials such as tiles, slates, and shingles.
• Repairing and maintaining existing roofs to ensure they remain watertight and structurally sound.
• Removing old roofing materials and preparing the surface for new installations.
• Ensuring roofs are built to meet safety and building regulations.

These workers are crucial in both residential and commercial construction projects, helping to protect buildings from weather-related damage and improving their aesthetic appeal.

Eligibility to Hire Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters (SOC Code 5314)

If your company is looking to sponsor non-UK workers for roofing roles, there are specific eligibility requirements under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters must have specific skills, qualifications, and experience to qualify for sponsorship. Common qualifications include:

• Completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training in roofing, roof tiling, or slating.
• Practical experience in roofing, including installation, repairs, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of roofing materials, tools, and safety regulations.

When sponsoring workers for roles under SOC Code 5314, it is important to ensure that candidates possess the necessary technical skills and experience to perform the job effectively.

2. Salary Thresholds

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

However, since roofers, roof tilers, and slaters are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold for this role is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, bringing the required salary to £20,960 per year. This reduced threshold reflects the demand for these skilled workers in the UK.

To ensure that your salary offer meets immigration requirements, you can use the Minimum Salary Calculator.

3. Immigration Salary List

Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which makes it easier for employers to sponsor workers for these roles. Being on this list means:

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

For more information on the Immigration Salary List, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters: 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 sponsor roofers, roof tilers, and slaters under SOC Code 5314.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Sponsor Licence Application: You will need to provide documentation to prove that your business is legitimate and that you have a genuine vacancy. For more details on the application process, visit the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Depending on the size of your business, the cost of obtaining a sponsor licence varies. Small companies usually pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. For a full breakdown of fees, visit the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Sponsor licence applications typically take up to 8 weeks to process. However, the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite the process, reducing the waiting time to around 10 working days.

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

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have obtained your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the roofer, roof tiler, or slater. This certificate is a digital document containing key information about the job and the worker being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: You will need a Defined CoS for workers applying from outside the UK and an Undefined CoS for workers already in the UK. For more details on these categories, refer to the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: When assigning a CoS, HR professionals must provide several key documents, including the worker’s passport information, job offer details, and salary information. For a full list of required documents, visit the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship guide.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued, the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa. The application process involves submitting a visa application, paying the required visa fees, and covering the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Visa Fees: The cost of the visa depends on the length of the worker’s contract and whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK. You can calculate the fees using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are also required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge when sponsoring non-UK workers. This charge is separate from the visa fees and is part of the employer’s obligations when hiring overseas workers.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters

Once the worker has received their visa and is ready to start work, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure that they are legally allowed to work in the UK. This is a mandatory requirement for all UK employers.

• Manual Right to Work Check: This involves verifying 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 conduct a right to work check, refer to the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Hiring roofers, roof tilers, and slaters doesn’t end with visa approval. Once the worker is employed, your company must comply with UK immigration regulations to maintain its sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

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

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

To avoid penalties or the risk of losing your sponsor licence, it is essential to comply with your sponsor licence duties. Non-compliance could result in sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to hire overseas workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters

Sponsoring roofers, roof tilers, and slaters under SOC Code 5314 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to manage the sponsorship process, from applying for a sponsor licence to ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we provide:

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

If your business needs assistance with hiring or sponsoring roofers, roof tilers, or slaters, feel free to get in touch for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring roofers, roof tilers, and slaters under SOC Code 5314 involves several important steps, from obtaining a sponsor licence to ensuring compliance with UK immigration regulations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your company can successfully sponsor skilled workers and ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.

• If you need further assistance with the sponsorship process, Borderless offers comprehensive support to help you navigate the complexities of UK immigration. Contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.