What is a SOC Code & How to Find the Right SOC code

October 2, 2024
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When hiring employees in the UK, employers must categorize job roles under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. SOC codes play a crucial role, especially when sponsoring skilled workers under the UK’s immigration system. In this article, we will break down what SOC codes are, why they matter, and how employers can ensure compliance when hiring international talent.

To fully understand SOC codes, it's essential to also be familiar with the various aspects of sponsorship, such as sponsor licence application, sponsor licence fees, and the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

What is a SOC Code?

An SOC Code, or Standard Occupational Classification Code, is a system used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to classify job roles into distinct categories. Each SOC code represents a specific occupation, grouping jobs based on skill level and responsibilities. These codes are essential for employers, particularly when applying for skilled worker visas, as they help to ensure that the job role being sponsored meets the necessary criteria.

Why are SOC Codes Important for Employers?

SOC codes are essential in the hiring process for several reasons:

  1. Compliance with UK Immigration Rules: Employers must assign the correct SOC code when applying for a Sponsor Licence or when hiring skilled workers from outside the UK. The wrong SOC code can result in visa application rejections or compliance issues during Home Office audits.
  2. Job Categorization: By using SOC codes, employers ensure that job roles are accurately classified, making it easier to meet sponsor licence compliance and salary thresholds for skilled worker visas.
  3. Skilled Worker Visa Applications: SOC codes are directly tied to the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa. Only specific job roles under eligible SOC codes can qualify for sponsorship, making it crucial for employers to get this right.

How to Find the Correct SOC Code for Your Job Role

Selecting the right SOC code can be challenging, especially for roles that may fit under multiple categories. Here are some steps to help employers find the right SOC code:

  1. Consult the ONS Database: The Office for National Statistics provides an up-to-date list of SOC codes along with detailed job descriptions. This is an excellent starting point for finding a match for your job role.
  2. Review Similar Job Titles: Sometimes, job titles may differ, but the duties and skill requirements may align with a particular SOC code. Employers should focus on job responsibilities rather than just job titles.
  3. Seek Expert Advice: For complex roles or when in doubt, seeking professional advice from immigration experts or legal professionals can ensure compliance with the sponsor management system (SMS).

Find the Minimum Salary for an SOC Code

When sponsoring a worker under a specific SOC Code, it's crucial to meet the minimum salary requirements set by the UK government. Each SOC Code has a corresponding minimum salary, and ensuring compliance can be a vital part of your sponsorship obligations.

You can use the UK Sponsored Worker Salary Calculator to quickly check the minimum salary for your role based on its SOC Code. This tool is easy to use and provides accurate salary thresholds tailored to your industry and job role.

Simply enter the relevant SOC Code, and the calculator will display the minimum salary you need to offer. This is an essential step to ensure you're offering competitive and compliant salaries under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.

SOC Codes and Sponsor Licences

When applying for a UK Sponsor Licence, employers must ensure that the job roles they intend to fill with international workers fall under eligible SOC codes. Here’s why this is crucial:

  • Compliance Audits: The Home Office regularly audits companies that hold Sponsor Licences. If the wrong SOC code is used in applications, it can lead to penalties or even the revocation of the Sponsor Licence.
  • Visa Application Rejections: Assigning the incorrect SOC code can lead to the rejection of Skilled Worker Visa applications, which can cause significant delays in hiring.

Employers need to pay close attention to matching job roles with the correct SOC code to avoid these issues.

SOC Codes and Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

SOC codes are critical for sponsoring skilled workers under the UK’s immigration system. Here’s how they impact the process:

  • Visa Eligibility: Only jobs under certain SOC codes qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. Employers must ensure the job role matches one of the eligible codes.
  • Salary Thresholds: Each SOC code comes with a minimum salary threshold, which employers must meet to qualify for visa sponsorship. The salary offered must not be below the specified amount for the job role in the SOC code.

Employers should regularly check for updates to the SOC code list, as changes can affect the eligibility of certain job roles for visa sponsorship.

Changes in SOC Codes Over Time

SOC codes evolve to reflect the changing job market. In recent years, new codes have been introduced, and existing codes have been updated to accommodate emerging job roles in industries like technology and healthcare. Employers must stay informed about changes to ensure ongoing compliance with sponsor licence duties.

For example, recent updates include new codes for IT-related roles and healthcare practitioners, reflecting the growing demand in these sectors.

Common Mistakes Employers Make with SOC Codes

When dealing with SOC codes, employers often make the following mistakes:

  1. Incorrect Job Classification: Choosing the wrong SOC code can result in visa rejections or compliance issues with the Home Office.
  2. Outdated Codes: Failing to use the most current SOC code list can lead to non-compliance. Always ensure you are referencing the latest version of the SOC code database.
  3. Salary Mismatch: Offering a salary below the minimum threshold for the SOC code can disqualify a Skilled Worker Visa application.

To avoid these mistakes, employers should double-check job descriptions, SOC code lists, and salary thresholds before submitting visa applications.

Finding the Right SOC Code

To help employers easily find the right SOC code for their job roles, we’ve created a comprehensive table. This table includes the occupation code, job role, related job titles, visa eligibility, and salary thresholds.

Occupation code Job type Related job titles Eligible for Skilled Worker
1111 Chief executives and senior officials Chairman
Chief executive
Civil servant (grade 5 & above)
Diplomat
Vice President
Yes
1112 Elected officers and representatives Councillor (local government)
Member of Parliament
No
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing Engineering manager
Managing director (engineering)
Operations manager (manufacturing)
Production manager
Technical manager
Yes
1122 Production managers and directors in construction Building services manager
Construction manager
Director (building construction)
Owner (electrical contracting)
Site manager
Yes
1123 Production managers and directors in mining and energy Operations manager (mining, water & energy)
Quarry manager
Service manager (public utilities)
Yes
1131 Financial managers and directors Bank Manager
Finance Director
Insurance Manager
Investment banker
Treasury manager
Yes
1132 Marketing, sales and advertising directors Account director (advertising)
Commercial director
Marketing director
Media director
Sales director
Yes
1133 Public relations and communications directors Head of communications
Head of public relations
Yes
1134 Purchasing managers and directors Bid production manager
Director of contracts
Head of buying
Purchasing manager
Yes
1135 Charitable organisation managers and directors Charity director
Manager (charitable organisation)
Yes
1136 Human resource managers and directors Human resources business partner
Human resources director
Personnel manager
Recruitment manager
Training director
Yes
1137 Information technology directors Chief Information officer
IT Director
Managing director (computer services)
Programme manager (computing)
Technical director (computer services)
Yes
1139 Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified Area secretary (trade association)
Chief officer (local government)
Clerk to the county council
General Secretary (trade union)
Town Clerk
Yes
1140 Directors in logistics, warehousing and transport Airport director
Head of logistics
Owner (delivery service)
Supply chain director
Traffic director (transport)
Yes
1150 Managers and directors in retail and wholesale Car sales manager
Manager (garden centre)
Managing director (wholesale, retail trade)
Retail manager
Shop manager (charitable organisation)
Wholesale manager
Yes
1161 Officers in armed forces Army officer
Commander (armed forces)
Flight-lieutenant
Royal Navy officer
Squadron-leader
No
1162 Senior police officers Chief superintendent (police service)
CID officer
Detective inspector
Police inspector
Yes
1163 Senior officers in fire, ambulance, prison and related services Chief immigration officer (HM Revenue and Customs)
Fire service officer (government)
Prison governor
Station officer (ambulance service)
Yes
1171 Health services and public health managers and directors Clinical manager
Director of nursing
Health service manager
Information manager (health authority: hospital service)
Yes
1172 Social services managers and directors Children’s centre manager
Commissioner (local government: social services)
Community services manager
Service manager (welfare services)
Social work manager
Yes
1211 Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture Farm manager
Farm owner
Nursery manager (horticulture)
Stock manager (farming)
Yes
1212 Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services Cattery owner
Fish farm owner
Forest manager
Owner (landscape gardening)
Racehorse trainer
Yes
1221 Hotel and accommodation managers and proprietors Caravan park owner
Hotel manager
Manager (passenger ships)
Service flats manager
Yes
1222 Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors Café owner
Operations manager (catering)
Restaurant manager
Shop manager (take-away food shop)
Yes
1223 Publicans and managers of licensed premises Landlady (public house)
Licensee
Manager (wine bar)
Publican
Yes
1224 Leisure and sports managers and proprietors Amusement arcade owner
Cinema manager
Football ground manager
Leisure centre manager
Theatre manager
Yes
1225 Travel agency managers and proprietors Branch manager (travel agents)
Tourist information manager
Travel agency owner
Travel manager
Yes
1231 Health care practice managers Dental practice manager
Group practice manager (doctors)
Medical practice manager
Yes
1232 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors Care home manager
Home care manager
Manager (nursing home)
Residential warden
Yes
1241 Property, housing and estate managers Accommodation manager
Housing adviser
Manager (commercial property)
Tenant services manager
Yes
1242 Garage managers and proprietors Body shop manager
Manager (petrol station)
Owner (garage)
Yes
1251 Transport and distribution managers Air freight manager
Bus depot manager
Freight coordinator
Transport manager
Yes
1252 Storage and warehousing managers Cold store manager
Distribution manager
Warehouse manager
Yes
1253 Managers and directors in transport and distribution Bus depot manager
Freight manager
Haulage contractor
Managing director (haulage)
Yes

Conclusion

SOC codes are a crucial part of the UK’s immigration and employment system. By understanding and using the correct SOC codes, employers can ensure compliance, avoid delays in hiring, and secure skilled talent from abroad. For help navigating SOC codes and applying for Sponsor Licences, feel free to contact us for expert guidance.

FAQs About SOC Codes

How do SOC codes impact Skilled Worker Visa applications?
SOC codes determine whether a job is eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa. Each job must match an approved SOC code to qualify.

What happens if I choose the wrong SOC code?
Choosing the wrong SOC code can lead to visa application rejections or compliance penalties during audits.

Can SOC codes be updated after applying for a visa?
It is possible to amend SOC codes in certain circumstances, but it can complicate the process. It’s best to ensure the correct code is chosen initially.

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