PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Allow Skilled Worker Visa holders to work up to 40 hours in the same occupation

Allow Skilled Worker Visa holders to work up to 40 hours per week in the same occupation for licensed sponsors, instead of the 20-hour restriction, to give them flexibility and stability in employment

Last fetched 11 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000

Petition progress2 events · Oct – Nov 2025

19 NOV 2025
Petition rejected
no-action
The 20 hour cap relates to secondary employment outside of the main role covered by the Skilled Worker Visa. If you work overtime in the job you’re being sponsored for, you do not need to update your visa. There’s no limit to how many hours of overtime you can do. You can work up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business as long as you’re still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/second-job#:~:text=If%20you%20work%20overtime%20in,one%20of%20the%20following%20conditions: You may also wish to sign the petition below: Allow Skilled Worker visa holders to take unrestricted secondary work https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/740003
15 OCT 2025
Petition created

Background

Many Skilled Worker Visa holders face job shortages as some sponsors cannot provide enough shifts. This forces some to work illegally, harming the economy and reducing tax revenue. Allowing up to 40 hours per week in the same occupation instead of the 20-hour restriction, with any other company will increase productivity, boost government tax income, and reduce illegal employment in the UK. This change will also strengthen the UK workforce and economy.