Hiring and Sponsoring Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers (SOC Code 7115)

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Hiring vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers in the UK requires a clear understanding of the relevant SOC code, visa sponsorship obligations, and salary thresholds. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about recruiting and sponsoring workers under SOC Code 7115.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers fall under SOC Code 7115 in the UK Standard Occupational Classification system.
• Employers wishing to sponsor overseas workers in this role must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
• Right to work checks are mandatory for all candidates, regardless of nationality.
• Annaizu can help UK employers manage sponsorship compliance and recruitment in one platform.

What Is SOC Code 7115?

SOC Code 7115 covers vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers. This occupational group includes workers who advise customers on the purchase of new and used motor vehicles, arrange trade-in valuations, sell vehicle parts and accessories, and provide after-sales support on behalf of dealerships and automotive retailers.

Typical Job Titles Under SOC 7115

• Car salesperson
• Vehicle sales executive
• Parts adviser
• Parts salesperson
• Automotive sales consultant
• Used car sales adviser
• Commercial vehicle sales executive

Core Duties Associated With This Role

• Advising customers on vehicle selection based on their needs and budget
• Arranging and conducting test drives
• Negotiating trade-in values and part-exchange deals
• Processing sales documentation and finance applications
• Managing stock of vehicle parts and accessories
• Liaising with service departments on customer requirements
• Meeting individual and team sales targets

Can You Sponsor a Worker Under SOC Code 7115?

Yes, UK employers can sponsor overseas workers in roles that fall under SOC Code 7115, provided the position meets the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa route. The Home Office assesses sponsorship eligibility based on skill level, salary, and whether the employer holds a valid sponsor licence.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 7115

To sponsor a worker under the Skilled Worker route, the role must meet all of the following criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:

1. The job must appear on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa.
2. The employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
3. The salary offered must meet the relevant minimum threshold for the occupation code.
4. The worker must meet the English language requirement.
5. The worker must score enough points under the points-based immigration system.

Salary Thresholds for SOC Code 7115

From April 2024, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship increased significantly. Employers sponsoring workers under SOC Code 7115 must pay whichever is higher out of the general threshold, the going rate for the occupation code, or the new entrant rate where applicable. Always check the latest Home Office guidance on gov.uk for the current going rates specific to SOC 7115 before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

How to Obtain a Sponsor Licence to Hire Under SOC 7115

If your business does not already hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, you will need to apply to the Home Office before you can sponsor any overseas worker, including those in vehicle and parts sales roles.

Steps to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check your business is eligible to hold a sponsor licence - you must be a genuine UK-trading organisation.
2. Appoint key personnel including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User for the Sponsor Management System.
3. Gather supporting documents to demonstrate your business is legitimate and HR systems are compliant.
4. Submit your application through the UK Visas and Immigration online portal and pay the application fee.
5. Await a decision - the Home Office may conduct a pre-licence visit for certain business types.
6. Once approved, use the Sponsor Management System to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers.

Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Duties

Holding a sponsor licence comes with continuous obligations. Employers must record and report changes to a sponsored worker's circumstances, maintain accurate right to work records, and cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits. Failure to meet these duties can result in licence suspension or revocation.

• Track and report absences that are not authorised
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored worker leaves their role
• Keep copies of right to work documents for the duration of employment and beyond
• Ensure job duties remain consistent with the sponsored role
• Report any significant changes to the worker's salary or working hours

Right to Work Checks for Vehicle Sales Roles

All UK employers are legally required to carry out right to work checks on every employee before they begin work. This applies to all nationalities, including British and Irish citizens. Failing to conduct checks correctly can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

Acceptable Right to Work Check Methods

• Manual document checks for eligible document list A or list B documents
• Online Home Office right to work checking service for those with eVisas or biometric residence permits
• Identity Service Provider (IDSP) checks using certified digital identity verification for British and Irish passport holders

Right to Work for Sponsored Workers

For workers sponsored under the Skilled Worker route, the right to work check must be conducted using the online Home Office checking service. The worker's permission to work is tied to their specific sponsor and role, so employers must verify the details carefully and retain a record of the check.

Recruiting Vehicle and Parts Salespersons From Overseas

UK automotive employers facing recruitment challenges in the domestic labour market may look to international talent. The Skilled Worker visa route allows businesses to recruit qualified candidates from outside the UK, provided the role and salary meet the required criteria.

Resident Labour Market Considerations

Unlike some previous visa routes, the Skilled Worker visa does not require employers to advertise the role to settled workers first. There is no mandatory resident labour market test under the current points-based system. However, employers should still ensure their recruitment processes are fair and documented.

Advertising and Recruitment Best Practice

• Advertise roles clearly with accurate job descriptions matching the SOC 7115 duties
• Ensure salary offered in advertisements matches what will appear on the Certificate of Sponsorship
• Document all recruitment decisions in case of a Home Office compliance audit
• Avoid restricting applications in ways that could be seen as discriminatory

Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC Code 7115

Once a suitable candidate has been identified and offered a role, the sponsoring employer must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker visa. There are two types of CoS relevant to this process.

Defined vs Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship

• A defined CoS is required for workers applying from outside the UK. Employers must request these from the Home Office and they are allocated from an annual limit.
• An undefined CoS is used for workers already in the UK switching into the Skilled Worker route. These are managed directly through the Sponsor Management System without requiring Home Office approval for each one.

Information Required on the Certificate of Sponsorship

• The worker's full name and date of birth
• The job title and SOC code (7115)
• The gross annual salary
• The start date and employment type
• The work location

Immigration Skills Charge for SOC 7115

Most employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker route are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This levy is intended to fund skills development in the UK workforce and must be paid when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Current Immigration Skills Charge Rates

• Large sponsors pay £1,000 per year of sponsorship per worker
• Small sponsors and charities pay £364 per year of sponsorship per worker
• The charge is calculated per six-month period and must be paid in full upfront

Exemptions apply in certain circumstances, including for workers switching from some other visa categories and for some short-term assignments. Employers should verify whether an exemption applies before assigning a CoS. Further details are available on gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOC Code 7115 cover?

SOC Code 7115 covers vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers. This includes car sales executives, parts advisers, automotive sales consultants, and commercial vehicle sales staff who advise customers, manage transactions, and handle parts inventory in dealerships and automotive retail environments.

Can I sponsor a vehicle salesperson on a Skilled Worker visa?