Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) additional information requests

2nd November 2023

Unprecedented Demands: The Home Office’s Response to Modern Slavery Investigations in the UK Care Sector

The Home Office have increased their requests for additional information when processing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). 

Along with all the positive impact that overseas workers have had on the UK care industry since the Covid pandemic and the wake of the UK’s exit from the European Union, there are reports that show a different side to the story. Following widespread media coverage on exploitation of overseas workers, a major nationwide investigation into modern slavery in the care sector is well under way.

In light of this investigation, the Home Office are now making unprecedented demands for information within a very tight deadline following certificate of sponsorship requests. The aim of the additional information requests is to ensure that licensed businesses are complying with their sponsor duties and only sponsoring workers into roles which satisfy the genuine vacancy test, in a bid to further protect overseas workers.

Sadly, as is often the case, it is a small number of organisations who are fueling this increase in exploitation, with many existing and some newly formed companies accepting significant amounts of money in order to provide sponsorship to individuals both already in the UK and overseas. Many of these sponsored workers find that there is actually no job for them, the hours were not as promised or the organisation has been struck off the Home Office approved list.

 
CQC data:

In 2022/23, we made 37 referrals for concerns regarding modern slavery, labour exploitation and international visas – more than 4 times the number made in 2021/22.


Ian Waterfield, Head of Enforcement at GLAA said:

“The care industry has gone from not being on their radar to becoming a top priority in the past 18 months.”

 
Regulated Advice

As regulated immigration advisers, our organisation always takes a risk-based approach to providing advice and services, not only informing clients of perceived risks but also working hard to mitigate those risks where possible. The recent additional information requests in relation to Health & Care Worker CoS requests is placing a significant burden upon providers.

If you have made a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) request and require support with providing additional information or have any further questions, please contact us to book a consultation.

The Home Office is currently providing 5 working days to submit this information.

  • Documents to confirm contracts/agreements confirming that your business has genuine vacancies for sponsorship.
  • Document to confirm current staff shifts and their duties.
  • Document to confirm the employment relationship between you and your current employees

 

This list is not exhaustive.

Please contact us if you feel you cannot comply with the request within the 5 working days provided to avoid your certificate requests being refused.

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