The 20-Hour Supplementary Work Guide & Compliance Checklist
Supplementary work is one of the easiest ways for employers to accidentally breach UKVI rules. Misunderstanding the 20-hour limit, rota overlaps, or eligibility criteria can lead to illegal working and licence risk. This short guide and checklist explain when supplementary work is allowed, how to assess requests safely, and the essential steps to stay compliant during audits.
The risks behind supplementary work
Many employers unintentionally breach the 20-hour rule — often through rota conflicts, unclear approval processes, or not understanding when a new CoS is required. This guide breaks down the rules so you can make safe, quick decisions every time.
What’s inside the guide
1. The 20-hour rule explained
A simple breakdown of when supplementary work is permitted, including eligible roles and skill levels.
2. How to check hours and rotas
Clear steps to confirm the worker stays within the 20-hour limit and does not overlap with sponsored hours.
3. Reporting and evidence
What you do and do not need to report to UKVI — plus the basic evidence you should keep for audit-readiness.
4. When supplementary work is not allowed
A quick list of red-flag scenarios that could indicate a breach or trigger the need for a new CoS.
Why download this guide?
You get a concise, practical checklist to:
- Assess supplementary work requests
- Avoid common compliance mistakes
- Protect your sponsor licence with simple internal controls
Perfect for HR, compliance, and managers who need clarity fast.
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