In the UK, companies hiring employees from abroad are required to comply with and consider a number of legal and administrative issues, something that could unfortunately be set to increase over the next couple of years as the UK leaves the EU. With the recent announcement from Theresa May that the UK will leave the single market, amidst fears that hiring EU workers could carry a fee post-Brexit, the future for many British businesses looks uncertain.

However, hiring migrant workers can have a number of business benefits, including diversifying workforce, acquiring new skill sets, and according to a study carried out in 2015, improving the performance and productivity of a business.

While there are some extra loop holes to jump through, the benefits of hiring an overseas employee tend to outweigh the cons. So, if you own a start-up and are considering hiring workers from abroad, here are some of the things you’ll need to consider.

Research Relevant Processes

As a business, you are liable for completing a number of checks. While this is true when hiring any employee, there are additional processes to follow. This includes checking that an employee has the right to work in the UK, assigning the correct tax code, complying with international national insurance matters, and using procedures for paying into overseas bank accounts. For all of these processes and more, you can find relevant information and support on the gov.uk website.

Prepare for Time Zones

If you’re expanding your business overseas and will be employing workers in another country, as opposed to in the UK, you will need to prepare for operating your business in different time zones. You can do so by looking into local working customs, ensuring relevant documentation is accessible via an online storage system, organising communication through e-mail or video conferencing, and utilising an international logistics and shipping company.

Seek Legal Advice

Employing workers from outside the UK can have a number of legal implications. To make sure you’re following all legal processes required by law, seek the advice of a legal professional. An experienced immigration lawyer – especially one from a specialist international firm like Withers – can advice on visas, tax and PAYE implications, assist with government audits, and ensure compliance with labour laws.

As a start-up, hiring employees from abroad can be beneficial, diversifying your small business. However, it’s important to always comply with legal and administrative processes.