Hospitality in the UK has always relied heavily on workers from overseas, and the end of free movement changed recruitment profoundly. EU citizens who arrived after 2020 generally need a visa, and the main employer-sponsored route, the Skilled Worker visa, has salary and skill thresholds that many front-of-house and junior kitchen roles do not meet. Employers who sponsor must hold a licence and meet ongoing compliance duties. Every employer must carry out right-to-work checks before someone starts, and illegal working can lead to substantial civil penalties and reputational damage.
Migrant workers have exactly the same employment rights as anyone else, including minimum wage, holiday pay and protection from discrimination, and sponsorship must never be used as leverage to underpay or overwork someone. Exploitation, debt bondage and modern slavery do occur in parts of the sector, so vigilance matters. Immigration rules and thresholds change frequently, so always check current Home Office guidance.
What we ask on the show
- How has the end of free movement changed who you can hire?
- What should employers do to make sponsored workers feel secure?
- Have you seen exploitation of migrant workers in the trade?
- What would a fair immigration route for hospitality look like?