Immigration White Paper raises serious questions Vanessa Ganguin warns in Civil Service World

12 June 2025

Should the Civil Service face the same immigration rules as the private sector? Vanessa Ganguin’s article for Civil Service World explores the consequences of the Immigration White Paper for hiring civil servants. Vanessa asks what the solution is if immigration measures proposed in the UK government’s White Paper mean most civil service grades (employing 83% of civil servants) are not skilled enough any more to sponsor as Skilled Workers?

The Prime Minister launched an Immigration White Paper last month with major consequences for employers in all sectors of the UK economy. The document outlines an agenda of measures to incentivise employers to invest in training local workers rather than relying on lesser skilled labour from overseas. We examine the consequences for employers and how they can best prepare here.

Last year the Conservative government raised the minimum salary threshold to sponsor someone on a skilled worker visa to £38,700 – much higher than the median civil service salary of £33,980 and way higher than the median Home Office salary (£29,400). With salary and skill levels set to rise further according to the new White Paper, how will sponsoring workers be an option apart from the very highest 17% of the civil service asks Vanessa in her latest article in Civil Service World.

Since the UK ended European free movement, employers have been able to sponsor roles at a skill level of RQF3 (school leaver) and above. According to plans set out in the White Paper, only occupations deemed to be at skill level RQF6 and above (degree level and above in terms of skill, not necessarily educational attainment) will qualify for skilled worker visas.

Those already on the skilled worker route in these jobs will still be permitted to extend their visa, change employment and take supplementary employment, including in occupations below RQF6. However, new applicants from overseas or those applying to switch from other visas will have to follow the new rules.

We have counted 171 occupations which would no longer qualify as skilled enough – from publicans to plasterers, estate agents to interior designers, musicians to managers of healthcare practices, as well as public services associate professionals and national government administrative occupations.

There will be massive consequences for private sectors of the economy, but also for the civil service where only civil servants Grade 7 and upwards will be able to be sponsored as Skilled Workers.

Vanessa Ganguin explores the consequences for the UK’s largest employer, the British government, in her latest article. If you are concerned about the consequences for your organisation, please contact us to discuss how you can prepare for these changes on 0207 033 9527 or enquiries@vanessaganguin.com or via the contact form below.