New rules on advertising for skilled workers now in force

Under UK immigration rules, employers can recruit skilled non-EEA nationals if the vacancy cannot be filled by a worker residing in the UK. Previously, employers had to advertise the vacancy for two weeks if the salary offered was under £40,000, and for one week if the salary offered was over £40,000.

However, from 14 December 2009, vacancies must be advertised for four weeks, so that UK workers have more opportunity to apply for vacant positions. Employers can advertise a vacancy for a continuous period of four weeks or split it into a number of periods (e.g. two periods of two weeks).