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A government initiative that allows multinational employers to issue UK work permits for overseas staff has streamlined the application process.
Both Sony UK and Ernst & Young have benefited from the pilot scheme introduced in October 2000. Previously, applications were processed by Work Permits (UK), part of the DfEE, and it could be a slow process.
Ernst & Young has processed 100 work permits since it joined the scheme. The company estimates that there has been a 60 per cent increase in permits.
Kevin Smith, director of work permit services at Ernst & Young, said, "We had to get involved in the scheme. There were obvious benefits, such as having control of our own work permits."
He admits that it places an administrative burden on employers and is pushing for a system where application forms can be downloaded from Work Permits (UK).
The transfer of employees from abroad occurs at Ernst & Young only when it cannot fill the position in the UK.
Smith said most transfers have come from the US, but he has also taken on staff from India.
Sony has dealt with 17 work permits since joining the scheme.
Vanessa Buckley, international assignment coordinator for Sony, said, "We have Japanese expatriates coming to the UK and this scheme was a good opportunity for us to have total control over the transfer of employees."
Other companies in the scheme include UBS and Rolls-Royce. The scheme has now been extended to July.
By Karen Higginbottom
