A question for all HSMP holders in UK

[hsmp07]

I have read somewhere that those who are on HSMP in UK for initial 2 years are having problems getting jobs, as the companies are not exactly interested because they consider it as only a 2 year visa and not a path to immigration. On the other hand recruitment agencies are also not of much help. My question is , is there reluctance from the employers in UK to employ someone on HSMP, Please comment??

[global gypsy]

I had no problems whatsoever...I made it a point that I have the right to work in the UK and described my HSMP status as a 'path to permanent residence'.

I suppose it also depends on the employer. Large, well-established ones may not have any issues with HSMP applicants.

[LankanFunkin]

Agreed on the size of the company argument. Also it might have to do with which industry you plan on entering.

I was looking in both specialist finance as well as consulting. I found doors flung open after I got my HSMP (I got no responses when my CV read "HSMP pending"). Even though my plan is to continue working in Sri Lanka till July, I opted to get my EC early (in May), and do a quick job-hunting trip to London. Everything worked out well, and I ended up with 3 offers.

[SYH]

There is also a discussion on this on another read
Suggest you do a search to get the benefits of other people's experience.

[LondonBlonde]

My experience - you will find some companies are averse to hiring anyone one with any kind of work visa. Some companies will do it, but want you for a better rate (they are happy to hire you, but want something in return for what they see as a favour to you), and some companies don't care at all and will hire you without considering your visa status.

It's just a numbers game. You may need to work harder than a brit citizen with the same skill set to get a job in the UK.

LondonBlonde

[malikmoon]

big companies such as Royal Mail has a policy for their graduate programe that you could only be considered candidate if you have 3 year valid leave to remain on your passport. mean initial (2 years) hsmp visa holder are discouraged.

[hsmp07]

Thanks a lot for your response, I belong to the IT field, how open are the employers for this particular field??

[LondonBlonde]

Thanks a lot for your response, I belong to the IT field, how open are the employers for this particular field??

It's better with IT I think as less Brits are interested in this field. They would all like to be Managers or Directors of IT people, rather than a hands on IT grunt.

I once heard on a brit talk show that IT is considered the most boring of all trades in Brittian. For some reason this work is beneith many people here.

LondonBlonde