Changes to the skilled worker route: what employers need to know

These changes affect how businesses hire and keep international talent. It's important for employers who sponsor skilled workers to understand these updates.  

This guide will help you understand: 

• The new salary requirements  
• What they mean for your business 

This will help you comply with the rules and attract the best talent. 

Changes to salary requirements for new workers

There are now higher salary requirements for new recruits on the Skilled Worker route. 

You now need to offer a salary that meets the new rules.  Figuring out the correct salary can be tricky. Here are the key points. 

Minimum starting salary

The lowest annual salary you must offer to a new worker is now £38,700. 

Going rate specific to the job

This is the minimum annual salary for a 37.5-hour working week. It’s specific to the job role. The going rate can vary from £23,200 to £84,100. 

Minimum hourly rate

The worker’s salary must be at least £11.90 per hour. This is the case no matter how many hours they work. 

Discounts

Some workers might qualify for salary discounts if they: 

• Have a PhD 
• Are new to the job 
• Work in a role listed on the immigration salary list

To comply with the rules, you must pay your new worker the highest of the figures mentioned above.  

What the changes mean for existing workers

The rules are more complex for workers already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.  

The Home Office has introduced transitional rules. You can find these in Options F-K of Appendix Skilled Worker on gov.uk.  

Here’s what you need to know:  

New starting salary

The starting salary for existing workers is now £29,000. This is up from £26,200. 

Adjusted ‘going rate’

The going rate is in table 2 or 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations available on gov.uk. It ranges from £23,200 to £62,800 depending on the job role. 

Transitional hourly pay

The minimum hourly pay is £11.90. The hourly pay is higher for longer working hours. 

Discounts and adjustments

Just like with new workers, some discounts may apply.  These could lower the required salary to as low as £23,200. 

You need to pay current skilled workers the highest amount required to keep sponsoring them under the Skilled Worker route.  

Challenges and benefits

These changes aim to standardise and simplify the Skilled Worker route. However, they also create some challenges for employers.  

The new salary thresholds might stretch budgets for businesses that rely on international talent. 

Adjusting salaries for existing workers could also lead to concerns about equal pay. 

There’s some good news. The new rules now let workers do additional jobs in any occupation code. This gives more flexibility to both employers and employees. 

Conclusion

The changes to the Skilled Worker route might seem complicated. However, you can manage them with the right knowledge and preparation.  

Understanding the new salary requirements and their effect on your workforce will help your business comply with the rules. Your business will also be competitive in attracting skilled international workers. 

For more detailed guidance on these changes book an appointment with Scotland’s Migration Service.