Shit happens - and so did Brexit.
Last year, visa applications in the UK dropped like Snoop Dogg just walked in (-42%). Sponsorship rules got stricter, which makes it harder to hire international talent. But what if this also means that it’s 42% less likely to find the next John Hegarty or Saatchi & Saatchi?
London used to be a Valhalla for young creatives from all over the world. But these days, it’s almost easier to walk on water than to have a chat with a recruiter or talent manager when you’re not blessed to be British.
Most conversations end straight after mentioning the S-word. Even when you’re offering to pay for your own sponsorship, it’s a hard no. Policy. A sorry-and-good-luck.
Sponsorwhats?
Since 2021, people outside the UK need sponsorship to get a Skilled Worker Visa. If you are a licensed sponsor the costs per worker are:
Immigration Skills Charge:
£1,000 per year for large companies
£364 per year for small businesses
Certificate of Sponsorship:
one-time payment of £199
Luckily, the sweet spot of the creative industry is that we are not afraid to come up with solutions. And playing with the rules is like checking the weather - we probably do it more than we realise. So why stop now?
Open to Chat wants to encourage agencies to become the forward-thinkers that they already are, only this time towards sponsorships.
So… are you ready to break some borders?
The Open to Chat Posters were made as an inspiration for starting a conversation about sponsorships. Feel free to use them, given they were created especially for you and are super easy to share.
Within seconds, you can spread the word that you’re Open to Chat with the whole world: recruiters, talent managers, young talents, oh heck, why not old talents too, and maybe your mom. She will be proud.
The Posters are living in Mocked-Up Land for now, but if you want to release them out of the Digital World and into your office, just request a print.
Can't find your agency amongst the Posters? Keep scrolling to request a custom one.
Want to be #1 in overseaing talent?
1. Explore if there is space in your sponsorship policy for just a few overseas creatives - maybe just one or two to keep your mind open.
2. Do you have an office in their home country? Perhaps they can prove themself there first before you commit to sponsoring.
3. If they need to be on a certain level to be considered for sponsorship, tell them. That way, they can channel that into anger and become a senior in no time.
4. Some people might be open to taking some money out of their annual salary to compensate. Talk about it.
Because if we don’t break borders, who will?
The Sponsors
This space is reserved for companies that are Open to Chat. Send an email if you want to be added. The first one will get an honorary mention.
Disclaimer: This campaign was created independently and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any specific agencies. It is an open initiative designed to encourage discussion and action on hiring barriers in the creative industry