UK Skilled Worker salary thresholds: advising sponsored clients

The UK Skilled Worker route now applies a higher general salary threshold and updated occupation "going rates", with a narrower set of discounts than before. A salary that qualified a client last year may not clear the floor today.

Re-run the maths on live cases

For each sponsored client, check the offered salary against both the general threshold and the specific occupation code's going rate — the applicant must meet the higher of the two, subject to any tradeable points. Confirm which reference table applies to their code, because the going rates were rebased.

Where discounts still apply

Reduced thresholds remain for a limited set of situations — new entrants to the labour market, certain health and education occupations on national pay scales, and roles on the Immigration Salary List (which itself is shorter than the old Shortage Occupation List and no longer discounts the going rate as generously). Do not assume a discount carries over from an earlier grant.

Practical steps

• Ask the sponsor to confirm, in writing, the salary and hours on the Certificate of Sponsorship before assignment.
• For extensions, check whether the client is being kept on the same occupation code and whether their pay still meets the current rate for it.
• Flag early where a role no longer qualifies — the sponsor may be able to restructure the offer, but not at the last minute.

Client communication

Sponsored workers rarely track threshold changes. Contact anyone with an extension or change of employment coming up in the next six months and confirm their position against the current figures now.