As from 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer in the EU Single Market and Customs Union. So what does this mean for our current and future workers who are EU citizens? We’re here to give you some information about the employment-related changes Brexit is bringing about.
Summary of Changes
From 1st January 2021 – 30th June 2021
- Free movement has ended
- EU Citizens who started living in the UK before 31st December 2020 are eligible to apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status
- Employers will need a sponsor licence to hire new employees from outside the UK (N/A to Irish Citizens)
From 1st July 2021
- Both EU and non-EU citizens looking to enter the UK for work will now be required to use the new points-based immigration system
- All our existing EU-citizen candidates will be required to provide their DirectGov share code, confirming their Pre or Settled Status and this will form part of the registration process.
- Candidates will no longer be able to register with us without proof of Right to Work or a Work Visa.
Gaining Settled or Pre-Settled Status
If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you will be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If your application is accepted, you will gain either Settled or Pre-Settled Status.
Gaining Settled or Pre-Settled Status will enable you to:
- work in the UK
- use the NHS for free, if you can at the moment
- enrol in education or study in the UK
- access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them
- travel in and out of the UK
You need to apply to the UK Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 (there are some exceptions to this). To find out more about the EU Settlement Scheme, deadlines and how to apply, visit the gov.uk website.