Working in the UK releases preliminary service statistics

TheBritish governments official work permit and immigration portal, Working in the UK, has released preliminary data collected on service standards in processing applications. Overall, it is good news for immigrants.

The data does not rate satisfaction or success rates for immigrants. It is neutral statistical tool to gauge performance goals by staff and to determine if they have been met. In every category, service goals have been exceeded, sometimes substantially. More analysis will be released as the the full data set is analyzed.

A new service standards manual was released on 01 April 2005. The data released is an evaluation of the application process, including the time taken to process payments, from beginning through mid-August, 2006.

Among the goals are to provide understandable and accessible forms and guidance that are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date. All applications are acknowledged and applicants are provided with a named contact to assist with enquiry's regarding their application.

The highest standards of confidentiality, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, are to be met at all times.

Work Permits and SBS

Service Standard:

70% of new applications to be decided within one week of receipt at payment handling service and 90% within 3 weeks.

Current Performance (year to date)

Further checks or needed additional information will most likely delay applications up to 3 weeks or even longer.

Limited Leave to Remain

Service Standard:

70% of new applications to be decided within 4 weeks of receipt at payment handling service and 90% within 9 weeks.

Current Performance (year to date)

Further checks or needed additional information will most likely delay applications up to 9 weeks or even longer.

HSMP

Service Standard:

50% of new applications to be decided within 5 weeks of receipt at our payment handling service and 90% within 14 weeks.

Current Performance (year to date)

WRS

Service Standard:

70% of new applications to be decided within 2 weeks of receipt at our payment handling service and 90% within 4 weeks.

Current Performance (year to date)

Work Cards (SAWS)

Current Performance (year to date)

Further checks or needed additional information will most likely delay applications up to 4 weeks or even longer.