Hiring and Sponsoring Tv; video and audio servicers and repairers (SOC Code 5243)

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Hiring skilled technicians who can diagnose and repair televisions, audio equipment and video systems is an important consideration for UK employers. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring workers under SOC Code 5243 - TV, Video and Audio Servicers and Repairers - including visa routes, salary thresholds and compliance obligations.

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

For 2026 checks, cross-check the latest GOV.UK immigration skills charge before making sponsorship or visa decisions.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 5243 covers TV, video and audio servicers and repairers and is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before they can recruit overseas workers into this role.
• Sponsored workers must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office, which is reviewed periodically.
• Right to work checks must be completed before employment begins, regardless of how the worker is hired.
• Annaizu can help UK employers manage sponsor licence applications, Certificates of Sponsorship and ongoing compliance.

What Is SOC Code 5243?

SOC Code 5243 refers to TV, Video and Audio Servicers and Repairers. This occupation group includes workers who install, maintain, service and repair televisions, hi-fi equipment, video recorders, home cinema systems, and other consumer electronic audio-visual devices.

Typical Job Duties

• Diagnosing faults in televisions, audio systems and video equipment.
• Replacing or repairing defective components and circuit boards.
• Installing and calibrating audio-visual equipment for domestic and commercial clients.
• Advising customers on the use and maintenance of electronic equipment.
• Keeping accurate records of work carried out and parts used.
• Testing repaired equipment to ensure it meets performance standards.

Industries That Commonly Hire Under SOC Code 5243

• Consumer electronics retailers offering after-sales repair services.
• Specialist audio-visual repair workshops.
• Broadcasting and media production companies.
• Home entertainment installation firms.
• Warranty and insurance repair service providers.

Can You Sponsor a Worker Under SOC Code 5243?

Yes. SOC Code 5243 appears on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa, meaning UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can recruit overseas nationals into this role. Before doing so, employers must ensure the role genuinely meets the requirements of this occupation code.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC Code 5243

To sponsor a worker under the Skilled Worker route for SOC Code 5243, both the employer and the worker must meet specific criteria set by the Home Office.

• The employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
• The job must genuinely correspond to the duties listed under SOC Code 5243.
• The worker must meet the English language requirement.
• The salary offered must meet or exceed the relevant threshold for this occupation code.
• The worker must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned by the employer.

Salary Thresholds for SOC Code 5243

The Home Office sets minimum salary thresholds for each occupation code under the Skilled Worker route. For SOC Code 5243, employers must pay the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for this specific occupation. Salary requirements are subject to change, so employers should always check the latest Home Office guidance before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Current Salary Requirements

• The general minimum salary threshold for new Skilled Worker applicants applies.
• The going rate for SOC Code 5243 must also be met if it is higher than the general threshold.
• New entrant rates may apply in certain circumstances, such as for recent graduates or those switching from a student visa.
• Tradeable points are no longer available for most roles, so the full salary threshold must be met.

How to Get a Sponsor Licence to Hire Under SOC Code 5243

If your business does not yet hold a sponsor licence, you will need to apply to the Home Office before you can legally sponsor a worker under SOC Code 5243. The application process requires you to demonstrate that your business is genuine, financially stable and has appropriate HR systems in place.

Steps to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check that your business is eligible to hold a sponsor licence.
2. Appoint key personnel, including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User.
3. Gather the required supporting documents, such as proof of business registration and financial evidence.
4. Submit the online application through the Home Office sponsorship management portal.
5. Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the size of your organisation.
6. Await a decision, which typically takes around eight weeks, though priority processing is available.
7. Once approved, use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to assign Certificates of Sponsorship.

Sponsor Licence Fees

• Small or charitable sponsors pay a lower application fee than medium or large sponsors.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fees apply each time you assign a CoS to a worker.
• The Immigration Skills Charge is also payable for most sponsored workers, on top of application fees.

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship for SOC Code 5243

Once you hold a sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker you wish to hire. The CoS is a reference number that the worker uses when making their Skilled Worker visa application. It must accurately reflect the role, salary and working hours.

Information Required on the Certificate of Sponsorship

• The worker's personal details and passport information.
• The job title and SOC code - in this case, 5243.
• The salary and working hours.
• The start date and duration of the role.
• The employer's sponsor licence number.

Right to Work Checks for TV, Video and Audio Repairers

All UK employers are legally required to carry out right to work checks before an employee starts work. This applies whether you are hiring a UK national, an EU settled status holder or a sponsored worker. Failing to carry out correct checks can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

How to Conduct Right to Work Checks

• For British and Irish nationals, you can check an original passport or other acceptable documents.
• For workers with an eVisa or biometric residence permit, use the Home Office online checking service.
• For sponsored workers, the right to work is tied to their visa conditions, including the employer they are sponsored by.
• Keep a record of all checks, including the date they were carried out.
• Repeat checks are required for workers on time-limited visas before their permission expires.

Sponsor Compliance Duties for SOC Code 5243 Roles

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing compliance obligations. The Home Office expects sponsors to monitor their sponsored workers and report certain changes or issues promptly through the Sponsor Management System.

Key Compliance Obligations

• Report any changes to the sponsored worker's role, salary or working hours.
• Report absences of ten or more consecutive working days without authorisation.
• Report if the worker's employment ends earlier than stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Keep copies of the worker's passport, visa and right to work documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date contact details for all sponsored workers.
• Cooperate with Home Office compliance visits, which can be announced or unannounced.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Sponsor licence downgrade from A-rating to B-rating, requiring an action plan.
• Suspension of the sponsor licence pending investigation.
• Revocation of the sponsor licence, preventing future sponsorship.
• Civil penalties for employing workers without the right to work.
• Criminal prosecution in serious cases of non-compliance.

Recruiting Overseas TV, Video and Audio Repairers

When recruiting under SOC Code 5243, employers should consider whether they need to carry out a Resident Labour Market Test. While this was formally abolished for most Skilled Worker roles, employers should still be able to demonstrate that the role is genuine and that the salary meets the required threshold.

Tips for Recruiting Under SOC Code 5243

• Write a clear and accurate job description that reflects the duties under SOC Code 5243.
• Advertise the role through appropriate channels to attract qualified candidates.
• Verify the candidate's qualifications and experience before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Ensure the offered salary meets the Home Office threshold for this occupation code.
• Use a compliant onboarding process that includes right to work checks and document retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOC Code 5243 cover?

SOC Code 5243 covers TV, Video and Audio Servicers and Repairers. This includes workers who diagnose, repair and maintain televisions, audio equipment, video recorders and other consumer electronic devices.

Is SOC Code 5243 eligible for a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 5243 is on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa route. UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to overseas workers for roles that genuinely correspond to this occupation code.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored