HR Checklist: Employee Mobility & Recruitment in United Kingdom

Everything You Need to Navigate UK Labor, Tax, and Visa Compliance

Deploying talent to the UK or making key local hires involves navigating post-Brexit immigration processes, statutory employment standards, and PAYE tax regulations. This free operational checklist breaks down the relocation and hiring process into five actionable stages to ensure your expansion runs smoothly and compliantly.

Key Sections Covered in the Asset

• Step 1: Immigration & Visas Identify the appropriate visa pathway (Skilled Worker vs. Senior/Specialist Worker), validate Sponsor Licence eligibility, assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), meet salary thresholds (£41,700 / going rate), and process Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payments.
• Step 2: Employment & Contracts Draft compliant local employment or secondment agreements aligned with UK Employment Rights and Working Time Regulations (WTR), structure tax-effective allowances, and set up PAYE/shadow payroll mechanisms.
• Step 3: Local Taxation & National Insurance Evaluate tax residency status via the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), verify Overseas Workday Relief (OWR) eligibility, set up PAYE income tax withholding, and implement tax equalization policies.
• Step 4: Social Security & Pensions Set up workplace pension auto-enrolment compliance with The Pensions Regulator, secure a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) under the UK-France Social Security Agreement, and manage National Insurance Contribution (NIC) obligations.
• Step 5: Relocation & Onboarding Streamline local administrative setup (obtaining a National Insurance Number - NINO, opening a UK bank account), register with the NHS, arrange housing, and provide family integration support.
  
  

Explore Related Insights Before You Expand

To complement your checklist, check out these deep-dive articles from the Expandys expert team:

📖 Recruitment in the United Kingdom: Key Differences & Insights
Learn how to recruit effectively in the UK, understand candidate expectations, and comply with local employment standards.

📖 What to Look For in a UK EOR
Learn how to evaluate Employer of Record providers in the UK, understand cost structures, and choose a partner that ensures full compliance with British employment laws.

📖 How Can a French Company Recruit Employees in the UK?
Discover the legal frameworks, recruitment channels, and employment options available for French businesses expanding and hiring talent across the UK.

Need Direct Support Expanding to the UK?

Expandys’ Employer of Record (EOR) and Global Mobility services guide your team through every step of local hiring, contract compliance, and visa processing.