The government says it will not take enforcement action against sponsors whose students or employees are absent due to coronavirus. You do not need to report such absences. This includes absences due to illness, the need to self-isolate or inability to travel. These arrangements apply until 31st May 2020.
You do not need to withdraw your sponsorship if, due to coronavirus:
- a student cannot attend for more than 60 days
- an employee is absent from work for more than 4 weeks without pay
If you’re sponsoring a distance-learning student
You can continue to sponsor your Tier 4 students who are using distance learning, whether in the UK or a different country. If a student permanently withdraws from their studies or defers them for reasons unrelated to coronavirus, you must report it.
You do not need to withdraw sponsorship for students who have been issued a Tier 4 visa but are distance learning as they are unable to travel to the UK.
New international students who have not applied for a visa but want to start a distance learning course do not need Tier 4 sponsorship because they will not need to travel here. You do not need to advise the Home Office that students are distance learning.
If you’re sponsoring employees who are now working from home
You do not have to notify the Home Office if your sponsored employees are working from home due to coronavirus. Other changes to working arrangements must be reported as usual.
If you cannot pay the salaries of sponsored employees you can temporarily reduce their pay to 80% of their salary or £2,500 per month, whichever is lower as long as reductions are part of a company-wide policy to avoid redundancy, and all workers are treated the same.
Scarsdale Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are continually monitoring the evolving COVID19 (Coronavirus) situation and following all guidance and advice that is issued by the NHS, Public Health England and the UK Government. Our Rochdale immigration solicitors, Oldham immigration solicitors and Manchester Immigration solicitors clients can rest assured that we remain open for business to support you at this time.
