Hiring and Sponsoring Market and street traders and assistants (SOC Code 7124)

‍

Market and street traders and assistants (SOC Code 7124) play a visible and economically active role in UK high streets, markets, and outdoor trading environments. If your business operates stalls, pitches, or mobile retail units, understanding how to hire and sponsor workers in this occupation code is essential for staying compliant with UK immigration law.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 7124 covers market traders, street traders, and their assistants who attract customers, sell goods, manage transactions, and clean up after trading.
• This occupation is not eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route as it falls below the required skill threshold.
• Employers must carry out right to work checks on all staff regardless of nationality before employment begins.
• Sponsoring workers from overseas into this role is not permitted under the current points-based immigration system.
• Irish citizens and those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may work in these roles without a visa.

What Does SOC Code 7124 Cover?

Job Titles Included

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code 7124 groups together workers who sell goods directly to the public from market stalls, street pitches, or similar trading locations. Common job titles in this category include:

• Market trader
• Street trader
• Market stall holder
• Street vendor
• Stall assistant
• Market assistant

Typical Duties

Workers in this occupation are generally responsible for a range of practical tasks associated with direct retail trading. These typically include:

• Setting up and dismantling stalls or pitches
• Attracting customers through verbal promotion of goods
• Displaying, arranging, and replenishing stock
• Handling cash, card, and digital payments
• Providing customer service and answering product queries
• Cleaning and clearing the trading area at the end of the day
• Maintaining records of sales and stock levels

Can You Sponsor Overseas Workers Into SOC 7124 Roles?

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility

The Skilled Worker visa requires a role to be classified at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 or above. SOC Code 7124 sits below this threshold, meaning it does not qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Employers cannot assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a role in this occupation code.

Other Visa Routes

There is no current visa route that permits overseas nationals to be sponsored specifically into market or street trading roles at this skill level. Employers seeking to fill these positions must recruit from the domestic labour market or from individuals who already hold the right to work in the UK.

Who Can Work as a Market or Street Trader in the UK?

Workers With Automatic Right to Work

The following groups can legally work in SOC 7124 roles without requiring employer sponsorship:

• British and Irish citizens
• EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Individuals with indefinite leave to remain or indefinite leave to enter
• Holders of a visa with no restriction on employment type (for example, certain family visas or graduate visas)

Workers With Restricted Right to Work

Some visa holders may have restrictions on the type or volume of work they can undertake. For example, student visa holders are generally limited in the hours they can work during term time. Employers must verify what conditions apply before allowing these workers to start.

Right to Work Checks for Employers

Why Right to Work Checks Are Mandatory

Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all UK employers must carry out right to work checks before a new employee starts work. This applies to every worker, regardless of nationality, including British citizens. Failure to conduct the correct check before employment begins can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

How to Conduct a Right to Work Check

There are three accepted methods for conducting right to work checks in the UK:

1. Manual document check - physically inspect original documents such as a passport or biometric residence permit and retain a clear copy.
2. Online Home Office right to work check - use the Home Office online service with the worker's share code for those who hold a digital immigration status.
3. Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) check via a certified provider - used for British and Irish citizens with a valid passport who agree to the digital route.

Retaining Records

Employers must retain copies of right to work check evidence for the duration of the employment and for two years after it ends. This creates an auditable record that can be used to demonstrate a statutory excuse if a compliance issue arises.

Recruitment Considerations for SOC 7124 Roles

Labour Market Conditions

Market and street trading roles are typically filled from the local labour market. Many positions are part-time, seasonal, or weekend-based, which can make workforce planning more complex. Employers should factor this into their recruitment timelines and right to work processes.

Zero-Hours and Casual Contracts

Some workers in this sector are engaged on zero-hours or casual contracts. Right to work obligations apply equally to these workers. Employers must complete the check before the first day of work, regardless of contract type or hours expected.

Young Workers

Market and street trading roles are sometimes filled by young people, including those under the age of 18. In addition to right to work checks, employers must comply with working time regulations for young workers and any local authority requirements related to employing children.

Employer Compliance Obligations Beyond Right to Work

National Minimum Wage

All workers in SOC 7124 roles must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage depending on their age. Underpayment is a criminal offence and HMRC actively enforces compliance in sectors with high rates of casual employment.

Local Authority Licences

Street traders and market operators may require licences from their local authority to trade legally. The licensing regime varies by council. Employers should check their obligations with the relevant local authority before setting up a pitch or stall.

Health and Safety

Employers operating market or street trading businesses must comply with health and safety legislation, including carrying out risk assessments for the trading environment and ensuring workers are not exposed to unsafe conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sponsor a worker from overseas to work as a market trader under SOC 7124?

No. SOC Code 7124 does not meet the skill level required for the Skilled Worker visa or any other sponsored work route. You can only hire individuals who already have the right to work in the UK.

Do I still need to do a right to work check for a British citizen?

Yes. Right to work checks are mandatory for every worker regardless of nationality. You must check and copy a valid document such as a British passport or birth certificate combined with a National Insurance document before the employee starts.

What documents can a market trader show to prove their right to work?

Acceptable documents include a British or Irish passport, a biometric residence permit, a share code generated through the Home Office online service, or other List A and List B documents specified in the current Home Office employer guidance on right to work checks.

Can a student visa holder work as a market trader?

Student visa holders may be able to work in this role subject to their visa conditions, which typically limit term-time working to 20 hours per week. Employers must check the individual's visa conditions before confirming employment and retain evidence of the right to work check.

Is SOC 7124 likely to become eligible for sponsorship in the future?

There is no current indication from the Home Office that SOC Code 7124 will be added to the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker route. Employers should monitor updates from the Home Office immigration rules for any changes to occupation eligibility.

What is the penalty for employing someone without the right to work?

Employers who negligently employ an illegal worker can face a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per worker. Those found to have knowingly employed someone without the right to work can face criminal prosecution, an unlimited fine, and up to five years in prison.

Conclusion

Hiring for market and street trader roles under SOC Code 7124 is straightforward in terms of immigration compliance, since sponsorship is not available for this occupation. However, employers must still carry out thorough right to work checks, meet wage obligations, and hold any necessary local trading licences. Annaizu helps UK employers manage right to work checks, compliance records, and workforce documentation in one place, reducing the risk of costly errors across every hire.