Work sponsorship: rules, risks, and the government’s response

Join us for the first Legal Training Hub session, hosted by the Work Rights Centre with support from the Baring Foundation, exploring the risks of exploitation for sponsored workers, and how to handle them.

We will introduce you to the Points Based System and work sponsorship, looking at the requirements for applicants, how the ‘points’ work in practice, and salary requirements. Real case studies will then be used to put your knowledge into practice. Next, we will explore the specifics of the Health and Care Worker route, with a focus on employers' licence acquisition and responsibilities.

Our immigration solicitor, Luke Piper, will discuss the rights of employees, and the responsibilities of employers, followed by a discussion of the risks of exploitation inherent to this system, and how to assist sponsored workers who have become victims of exploitation, scams or abuse. We will end with a Question & Answer session, allowing you to dive deeper into particular issues you are facing with clients.

Who is this training for?

The training is for frontline professionals who support migrant victims of exploitation. This is primarily aimed at charities, voluntary groups, and local authorities, but ethical recruiters and employer associations may apply.

What is the Legal Training Hub?

For almost two years charities, journalists, and other experts have shown that the work migration system instituted in the UK after Brexit is putting people at risk of exploitation. While the risks for migrant workers are well-documented, the remedies remain difficult to access, not least due to the complex intersection of immigration, employment, and other areas of law.

From February 2025 with support from the Baring Foundation, we are launching a new legal hub to support organisations working with sponsored migrant workers. We hope to bring together frontline advisers for practical training sessions that will increase attendees' understanding of the system they are working in, and how to help clients navigate it.

Cost

The training is free for small non-profit organisations with fewer than 9 full-time FTE members of staff, and for organisations led by people from racialised communities and black and ethnic minorities who centre their work on racial equity. A subsidised £75/session fee applies for non-profits with fewer than 15 full-time FTE members of staff, and a full £150/training fee applies for larger or for-profit organisations.

Discounts may be possible for multiple bookings from the same organisation. Send an email to [email protected] for more information on pricing.

This is the first in a series of sessions that will also cover:

• Immigration advice for sponsored migrant workers
• Using public law to challenge delays and negative decisions
• Employment tribunal claims for sponsored migrant workers
• Remedies accessible through civil claims
• Support for victims of trafficking and modern slavery
• Spotting and reporting criminal behaviour by sponsors

Complete this form if you would like to stay updated on upcoming Legal Training Hub sessions.

Host or Publisher The Work Rights Centre