Orchid secures sponsor status for foreign workers

The Orchid Group has become one of the first pub companies in the UK to win sponsor status to employ workers from overseas and obtain work permits for them.

This follows new rules governing the employment of migrant workers which makes it harder to employ skilled labour from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Under the new legislation, employers — from pub companies to freehouses — must have sponsor status before bringing in workers from outside the EEA.

"Many of our chefs are Thai, Chinese or Malaysian particularly in our Oriental Restaurant Group and Dragon venues," said Orchid's Personnel director Marie Wheatley.

"Therefore, this is extremely positive news for Orchid enabling us to continue to employ authentic, skilled chefs from across the globe."

She added: "It's all change as far as immigration rules go. Under the new points-based system, the onus for monitoring migrant workers is now firmly on employers' shoulders — a responsibility which used to be undertaken by the Government.

"It is important to get up to speed with the new legislation because employers who fail to monitor overseas workers properly face stiff fines and those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants could even face jail terms.

"The process of applying for sponsor status was relatively fast and pain-free. We submitted the required paperwork on 25 September and just eight weeks later on 21 November we were informed we had been successful."

In order to secure sponsor status under the new rules, employers are advised to visit the UK Border Agency website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk​.