Introduction
Have you recently lost your job while on a Health and Care Worker visa in the UK? This guide is here to help you understand your rights and the steps you need to take next. From dealing with visa cancellations to finding a new sponsor, we cover everything you need to know to navigate this challenging situation. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are ready to provide you with the guidance you need to resolve your legal concerns. With Contend, accessing legal help has never been easier!
Losing your job can be tough, especially if you’re in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what happens next and what steps you can take.
What Happens When You Lose Your Job?
When you lose your job, your employer is required to inform the Home Office. If they decide to cancel your visa, you will receive a letter notifying you of this cancellation.
Getting Paid
Regardless of your job situation, you should still receive payment for the time you worked. If you have questions about how to get your final paycheck, there are resources available to help you.
If Your Visa Gets Cancelled
If your visa is cancelled, you will have 60 days to either leave the UK or secure a new visa. If you have less than 60 days left on your visa, you must leave before it expires.
To stay in the UK, you’ll need to find a new job in health or care with an employer who can sponsor you. Once you have a new job, you can apply to update your Health and Care Worker visa. You can remain in the UK while waiting for a decision on your application. If you have family members whose visas depend on yours, you will need to update their visas as well. For more information on updating your visa, visit GOV.UK.
What If Your Employer Loses Their Sponsorship License?
If your employer loses their sponsorship license, you will need to leave your job, and your visa will be cancelled. This situation can arise if:
- Your employer’s license is suspended.
- Your employer goes through a takeover.
- Your employer fails to renew their license.
For more details on this topic, you can check GOV.UK.
Fees and Wage Deductions
Sometimes, employers may charge fees or deduct money from your wages. If you’re unsure about any deductions, review your payslip or ask your employer for clarification.
Employers can only deduct money if you agreed to it beforehand. Additionally, they must pay you at least the National Minimum Wage, meaning they cannot deduct money that would result in you being paid less than that.
If you think your employer has underpaid you, you can seek assistance in recovering your wages.
Sponsor Fees
You should not have to pay any of the following fees:
- Sponsor Licence fee
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Skills Charge
If your employer asks you to cover these costs, it’s advisable to consult with Contend’s legal expert chat for guidance.
Finding a New Sponsor
To stay in the UK, you will need to find a new employer who is a licensed sponsor. They will provide you with a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You can find a list of licensed sponsors on GOV.UK. If a potential employer isn’t on this list, it’s best to look for another option.
Recruitment Agencies
If you’re using a recruitment agency, make sure they are listed as ethical recruiters on GOV.UK. This ensures they follow government recruitment rules.
Accommodation Concerns
If your job included accommodation, check your employment contract for details on what happens next. Usually, your landlord or employer must give you an eviction notice, so be sure to find out how much notice they are required to give.
If you don’t receive an eviction notice, you should check the terms of your lease or agreement. If you stay past the agreed date, your landlord may need a court order to evict you, unless specific conditions apply.
If you’re worried about losing your accommodation, seek advice through Contend’s legal expert chat.
Was Your Dismissal Unfair?
If you believe your job ended unfairly, you might have grounds to challenge it. A dismissal may be considered unfair if:
- Your employer didn’t have a valid reason.
- They didn’t follow a fair process.
You can typically only contest a dismissal if you’ve worked for your employer for at least two years. However, if your dismissal is “automatically unfair” (for reasons like pregnancy or asserting your rights), you may still have a case even if you’ve been employed for less than two years.
Financial Support Options
If you’re struggling financially, you may not be able to claim benefits due to having “no recourse to public funds.” However, if you’ve worked in the UK for at least two years and have paid enough National Insurance contributions, you might be eligible for:
- New style Jobseeker’s Allowance
- New style Employment and Support Allowance if you’re sick or disabled
If you’re having trouble affording food, consider reaching out to a local food bank or community organizations for assistance.
Help for Families
If you have children under 18, your local council may provide additional support. It’s a good idea to consult with Contend’s legal expert chat to explore your options.
Seek Guidance
Navigating job loss and visa issues can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Contend’s legal expert chat for guidance tailored to your situation. They can help you understand your rights and options moving forward. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
- UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Know Your Rights & Fair Pay
- How to Calculate Unfair Dismissal Compensation in the UK
- UK Work Rights Explained: Citizens, EU Nationals & Visa Holders
- Navigating UK Immigration: Legalize Your Stay or Return Safely
- Know Your Rights: Navigating Notice Periods for UK Job Dismissal
