Finding a new job with sponsorship

Unison typically addresses employment law concerns, but we are increasingly receiving inquiries from members about securing sponsorship. Here is some information that might be helpful, though it is not an exhaustive list. There are many vacancies in this sector, and some local authorities are actively facilitating connections between employers and potential employees. I recommend contacting your local authority to see if they have any events or resources available.

SW councils may be able to provide support around finding a new sponsor if your sponsorship arrangement has ceased. For any displaced workers affected by a licence revocation, please email the Southwest Regional Partnership. This email will trigger support from your local authority and may be able to help you find a vacancy. It is not a recruitment agency but just a matching service that may be able to find a vacancy somewhere in your area. Mailbox commissioning.swadass@swcouncils.gov.uk

Here is a database of UK social care providers licensed to sponsor worker visas, which could help you identify potential employers. Please evaluate each employer independently, as this list may include some who have lost their sponsorship licenses: https://autonomy.work/care-visa-sponsor-database/

Here are links to two recruitment platforms, Borderless and SponsorSwitch. These platforms offer support to overseas workers, to help them find a new sponsor within adult social care. Please note, we are not able to offer any guarantees that SponsorSwitch or Borderless will be able to place you into a new role. However, their specialist teams will endeavour to support you as best as they can. Borderless - Home (getborderless.co.uk) or SponsorSwitch

Additionally, the National Careers Service have online resources to support with writing CVs, preparing cover letters, completing applications, and preparing for interviews: Careers advice | National Careers Service

Do carry on getting involved in your branch as there are many people facing similar situations. You can work in your branch to bring people together to tackle the issues you're facing and also to campaign for changes that would improve the situation for workers such as yourself. Unison's migrant worker network is building, and the voice for migrant workers is getting stronger. If you haven't joined the network already then you can join through this link. Do encourage other to join as well.  UNISON Migrant Worker Network | UNISON National

You may not need immigration advice if you are just looking for a new sponsor. But if you require immigration related advice, UNISON offers free immigration advice via our partnership with JCWI. To access this, you will again need to contact Unison Direct. Please note that they provide immigration advice, while your branch can assist with employment-related matters. JCWI can offer advice on any complex visa or immigration related queries while your branch can assist with any aspects of your problem that relate to the workplace or to your employer. This should only be used if you need immigration advice NOT if there is an employment matter (eg unpaid wages, dismissal etc) or NOT if there is no immigration issue.