Sectors Based Scheme
This section explains what the Sectors Based Scheme (SBS) is, who can apply for a place on the scheme, and how to make an application.
The SBS allows UK-based employers to recruit low-skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to vacancies that cannot be filled by resident workers.
Workers employed on the SBS will work within one or more of the following sectors:
- food manufacturing;
- hospitality.
Since 1 January 2007 the SBS has been closed to new applications from workers outside the EEA. Extension and change of employment applications for existing SBS permit holders will continue to be considered as normal. Employers should read the booklet 'Sectors Based Scheme (non-Bulgarian and Romanian nationals) extensions and changes of employment - guidance for employers'. This guidance can be downloaded from the right side of this page.
New applications to the SBS will only be accepted for workers from Bulgaria or Romania Employers wishing to recruit Bulgarian or Romanian nationals under the SBS should read the booklet 'Sectors based scheme (Bulgarian and Romanian national only) - guidance for employers'. This guidance can be downloaded from the right side of this page. Bulgarian and Romanian nationals employed under the SBS can only be employed in the food manufacturing sector.
Application forms
Sectors Based Scheme guidance notes
- SBS guide for recruiting Bulgarian and Romanian nationalsPDF 164K opens in a new window
- SBS guide for recruiting non Bulgarian and Romanian nationalsPDF 182K opens in a new window
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
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Resident worker
A person who is a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or is legally settled in the United Kingdom with permission to work here. In some cases, an employer who wishes to employ a person who is not a permanent resident must show that no resident worker could be found to take the job.
Contact
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Work permits customer contact centre
0114 207 4074
Customer Contact Centre, UK Border Agency, PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA