Employing people

North East Business and Innovation CentreThe labour market in the UK has become one of the most flexible in the EU. This has been one of the factors behind strong economic growth in recent years.

Employers looking to recruit people from outside the EU have to apply for work permits before bringing them into the country.

A new, points-based system divides potential workers from countries outside the EU into different tiers:

  • Highly-skilled workers such as scientists and entrepreneurs;
  • Skilled workers with a job offer;
  • Low-skilled workers filling labour market gaps;
  • Students and temporary workers.

The UK’s business community has long viewed overseas workers as helping to boost UK competitiveness.

For more general information about employing people in the UK, go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/