Teaching and social care are careers that appeal to individuals with a compassionate nature and plenty of patience. They can be demanding, yet also highly rewarding roles. However, not enough people are qualifying in these fields. Therefore, supply is not keeping pace with demand and the UK is facing a skills shortage in education and care. So, what is the solution?
Careers in Education & Care
Educating the next generation is a vital role that benefits individuals, communities and the economy. Equally, providing good care for preschoolers, patients and the older generation is an essential role for society. At one time, nursing, teaching and childcare were popular career options, but interest in these fields is waning.
As long-standing employees retire or leave education and care professions, there are insufficient recruits to step into their shoes.
When qualified education and care sector workers apply for vacancies, they are snapped up. Yet, failing to get the full quota of staff puts pressure on schools, care homes, hospitals and early years nurseries. Despite national recruitment campaigns, greater access to training opportunities and the promise of better support for education and care workers, there simply aren’t enough people to fill the roles.
Broadening the Field
However, there might be sufficient numbers of trained and qualified teachers and care workers if we broaden our field of view. When we look at the international workforce, there are plenty of individuals with the expertise, competence, experience and desire to fill the skill gaps.
Potential employees are keen to come and work in the UK because we offer good working conditions, fair pay and a multicultural community. In coming to work here, they can further develop their English language skills, work experience and career opportunities.
According to Home Office data, around 120,000 Health & Social Care visas and 69,000 skilled worker visas are granted each year. These enable people from across the globe to come and join the team in UK organisations. For some businesses, employing overseas workers has become an essential part of their recruitment strategy.
How to Recruit Overseas Workers for Education & Care Roles
To employ overseas workers, an employer needs to be a registered UK company or an accredited healthcare provider. They must have a genuine need to sponsor foreign workers, due to skill shortages. They then need to apply for a Sponsor license and pay the fee for this to be processed and issued.
The employee needs a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which evidences their country of origin, their sponsor employer and their suitability for the job role. Depending on the role, they may apply for a Health & Care worker visa or a Skilled worker visa (for one of the skill shortage professions, as listed by the Home Office). These include education & care roles.
A sponsor employer is responsible for the welfare of the workers they sponsor. This includes ensuring the worker understands and abides by UK law. The employer must also comply with employment law, including working time regulations, equal opportunities, health & safety and pay. They must maintain accurate records and notify the Home Office of changes to the employment status, including changes of role, promotion or termination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Overseas Workers
How long is a worker visa valid?
A Healthcare or skilled worker visa is valid for up to 5 years. If workers wish to stay, there is the option to extend their visa with UK Visa & Immigration (UKIV). This should be actioned 90 days before the visa expires. If they remain eligible and have a sponsor employer, the visa can be extended indefinitely.
How much does it cost for a Sponsor License?
The cost to an employer for a sponsor license depends on size. The fee for small businesses and charitable organisations is currently £536, while medium and large businesses pay £1,476.
How many overseas workers can you employ with a sponsor license?
If each employee meets the eligibility criteria, there is no limit to the number of employees you recruit. This makes it a cost-effective way for many organisations to attract talent from across the globe to fill skill shortages.
Will overseas teachers understand and deliver the UK curriculum?
Teachers trained and qualified overseas will meet the high standards that are expected of teachers who qualify in the UK. They will be equipped to teach the curriculum and may bring additional experiences, cultural insight and teaching styles that enrich subject teaching.
Will overseas workers be committed to their jobs?
If a worker fails to meet expected standards, they risk losing their job and visa, meaning a return to their home nation. So, if their ambition is to gain experience in the UK, they are usually committed and reliable. They may need a little more support to adjust, yet will be determined to do well.
How do you find suitable overseas candidates?
At Tara Recruitment, we are working with education and healthcare professionals who are looking for employer sponsorship to extend their visas. Their initial work contract has now expired, but they wish to continue building their skills and experience in the UK. If you have a sponsor license and need qualified teachers or care workers, we can help you find a good match.
Register on our Client page and we’ll contact you to discuss your recruitment needs.
Where can I find more information on visas for overseas workers?
If visa sponsorship and the opportunity to hire an international workforce could solve your skill shortages, you may wish to find out more. The Government website details the process and considerations for employers and educators wishing to recruit overseas workers. The website also offers further information for potential employees. In addition, CIPD offers a factsheet on employing overseas workers to prevent illegal work practices.
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