LS Legal News Bulletin
Can You Afford Top Talent? Increased Salary Minimums for Skilled Worker Visas
Tuesday 16th April 2024
🕳️ Recent changes to the Skilled Worker visa might impact your ability to recruit top talent.
Here's a quick breakdown:
-> Skilled Worker minimum salary is UP ⤴️ (from £26,200 to £38,700 for most roles)
-> For PhD holders in relevant fields, the minimum increases to £34,830.
-> For PhD holders in STEM fields and those on the Immigration Salary List or in shortage occupations, the minimum goes up to £30,960.
-> Recent graduates or those with limited experience may also qualify under the £30,960 threshold.
💡 How will these changes affect different types of employers?
Smaller businesses and start-ups on tight budgets may find adjusting to higher salary requirements harder. This could especially hit skilled but traditionally lower-paying sectors. With these higher salaries, some might only be able to attract experienced talent, making entry-level or graduate recruitment challenging.
🔑 In those cases, maximising awareness and relying on the new entrant rules for graduate candidates could be key to attracting fresh talent.
If you are recruiting healthcare professionals, the Health and Care route offers a more accessible option due to lower salary requirements.
We encourage employers to consider the entire range of visa options, weighing the short- and long-term benefits for both the company and the candidate.
Unsure about the exact requirements for an open role in your business?
Our immigration team can assess your situation and advise on the minimum acceptable salary for the Skilled Worker visa and any discounts that might be available.
💬 Drop us a message - we are here to help!
