Global Mobility
Purpose
The University’s Global Strategy is to become a truly global institution by extending our presence, reach and impact around the world. This will include developing strategic partnerships with leading universities around the world, building upon our existing international partnerships and forging new relationships.
As a consequence, a global workforce - which used to be the exception – is now gradually becoming more common. Employing staff overseas has some implications, which, if they are not addressed properly could put both the individual and the University at risk - see our issues to consider section for more information.
The role of the HR Global Mobility Activity is to equip the University with a robust, seamless and future-proof global HR framework that will deliver service excellence and support the University’s international expansion in a compliant and cost effective way, contributing to the University’s reputation as a truly international institution.
This guidance does not cover short term travel overseas (less than 3 months). Guidance for staff travelling overseas on short term University Business can be found at Guidance for travel overseas.
We recognise that as a consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic, and our new ways of working, many employees have been working at home. While working at home is permitted in the UK, it is not permitted outside the UK. This is because most countries, like the UK, expect employers and employees to pay tax and social security in the country where employees are physically working (even from a personal home address). Failing to comply with the local employment regulations may result in claims for back taxes and fines from the local authorities, both for the individual and the University. Access to health care may also be affected and, if you are not a national of the country, it may also be a breach of immigration rules for you to work there. To minimise this risk, the University position is that remote/homeworking is only permitted within the UK territory (unless there is prior agreement and appropriate payroll and immigration requirements are in place).
If you are a new employee currently living outside the UK your appointment is subject to obtaining the right to work in the UK and being physically present in the UK. If for any reason you are unable to travel to the UK or obtain your visa on time, your appointment date will be postponed accordingly.