Hiring and Sponsoring Stonemasons and related trades (SOC Code 5312)

Stonemasons and Related Trades, classified under SOC Code 5312, are skilled craftsmen who play a vital role in the construction and restoration of stone structures. They work with various types of stone to create aesthetically pleasing and durable results. The demand for qualified stonemasons is rising, driven by the increasing need for heritage restoration, landscaping, and custom stonework. Below are the key aspects of their role:

• Job Requirements: 
• • Examine drawings, photographs, and specifications to determine project needs.
• Techniques and Tools:
• • Mark and cut stone using hammers, mallet, and hand or pneumatic chisels.
  • Utilize hand and power tools for shaping, trimming, carving, and polishing stone.
• Construction Applications:
• • Level, align, and embed stone within mortar, concrete, or steel frames to create and repair structures.

With the expanding construction landscape and a focus on preserving historical architecture, many employers are actively seeking skilled stonemasons, including those from overseas. This guide will aid HR professionals looking to hire and sponsor stonemasons under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Stonemasons and related trades?

SOC Code 5312 refers to stonemasons and related trades who specialize in working with stone to create and repair structures. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining project specifications: Reviewing drawings, photographs, and specifications to determine job requirements.
• Cutting stone: Marking and cutting stone using hammers, mallets, and hand or pneumatic chisels.
• Shaping and finishing stone: Utilizing hand and power tools to shape, trim, carve, cut letters into, and polish stone.
• Setting stone: Leveling, aligning, and embedding stone in mortar, concrete, or steel frameworks to construct and repair structures.
• Maintaining craftsmanship: Ensuring high-quality workmanship and adherence to safety standards in all stonework projects.

Stonemasons and related tradespeople play a vital role in the construction and restoration of buildings, monuments, and other structures, contributing to both functionality and aesthetics in the built environment.

Eligibility to Hire Stonemasons and related trades (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Stonemasons seeking employment must demonstrate their expertise in stonework and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in examining drawings, photographs, and specifications to accurately determine job requirements.
• Tools Proficiency: Experience in using hand and power tools effectively to mark, cut, shape, trim, carve, and polish stone.
• Structural Knowledge: Ability to level, align, and embed stone in mortar, concrete, or steel frameworks for making and repairing structures.
• Experience: Previous work history in stonemasonry or related trades that showcases a solid understanding of the craft.
• Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with safety procedures and regulations relevant to working with heavy materials and tools.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 5312 and that the stonemason’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Stonemasons and related trades: 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 Stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Stonemasons and related trades 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 Stonemasons and related trades’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 Stonemasons and related trades 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 Stonemasons and related trades

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

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Stonemasons and related trades

Sponsoring Stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312 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 Stonemasons and related trades, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Stonemasons and related trades under SOC Code 5312 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.