Sponsor Licence Duties
Sponsor Reporting Duties and Worker Monitoring
Certain events concerning sponsored workers must be reported within set time limits.
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What the issue is
The sponsor guidance requires specified events to be reported, commonly within 10 working days — for example unauthorised absences, a worker not starting, ending sponsorship early, or significant changes to role, salary or work location. Check the current guidance for the full list and time limits.
Why it matters
Late or missing reports can be treated as a breach of sponsor duties and can be identified at a compliance visit.
Practical steps
Connect HR events (absence, contract change, termination) to a reporting check so nothing relies on memory.
Common failures
- Not reporting unauthorised absence.
- Changing salary or location without considering reporting.
Evidence to keep
Examples to consider where relevant — not a complete or mandatory list.
- Copies of reports submitted and the dates.
- Absence and attendance records.
Practical preventative steps
- Create an HR-to-sponsor reporting trigger list.
- Record why an event was or was not reported.
Official rules and guidance
- GOV.UK: Sponsor a worker — your responsibilities
- GOV.UK: Workers and Temporary Workers — guidance for sponsors
Rules and guidance change. Check the current official sources before relying on this information.
This is general legal information for organisations, not advice on your circumstances. Duties depend on your business, workers and the rules and guidance in force at the relevant time. No outcome is guaranteed.
Andrew Williams Solicitors provides regulated legal advice, legal review, representation and solicitor-led compliance support. Compliance monitoring and workflow technology (such as ICMS and ComplianceWatch) is provided separately by Ibiab Systems and is not legal advice.
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When solicitor advice may be appropriate
Speak to Andrew Williams Solicitors about your organisation's position, a Home Office visit, a penalty notice or a licence concern. Scope and fees are agreed in writing before substantive work begins.