What Employers Need to Know About the EU Settlement Scheme

The cleaning industry attracts a large number of migrant workers and due to Brexit, Employees will need to ensure that they apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30th June.

Following the UK’s departure from the EU on the 1st January this year, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in the UK (Irish citizens can continue to do so). However, anyone who arrived in the UK before the end of last year can apply through the EU Settlement Scheme for the right to remain. The deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme is 30th June 2021. The government has not indicated what will happen to workers who do not apply by this date, but there will undoubtedly be complications at the very least. A company that employs a person without the right to work in the UK can be fined up to £20,000.

Types of Worker Status

These are the three types of status employers need to be aware of:

Indefinite right to remain

Workers who already have an indefinite right to remain can continue to live and work in the UK as before.

Settled status

Workers must have been in the UK for five continuous years (defined as six months in any 12-month period for five years in a row) to be granted settled status. If successful, workers can continue to live and work in the UK.

Pre-settled status

Those who do not meet the five-year requirement but arrived in the UK before the end of 2020 may be granted pre-settled status. If successful, they can continue to live and work in the UK for five years, when they can apply for settled status.

What Employers Should Do

It is the responsibility of employees to make the application to the EU Settlement Scheme. Employers are not allowed to force workers to apply as this may be considered discrimination. However, there are important steps they can take to inform and encourage their employees to apply.

• Produce an information pack or internet resource providing advice on the scheme and the deadline. Make sure all workers receive the pack or know how to access the information.

• Appoint a dedicated member of staff to provide support to those applying, especially those who need help with their application.

• Allow staff to use the work computers and other resources they need to make their application.

Get in touch with Total Support Services today to learn more or click on the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status?utm_campaign=EU_SettlementScheme(apply)&utm_medium=PaidSearch&utm_source=GoogleBing&utm_content=ExpandedLink&gclid=CjwKCAjw9MuCBhBUEiwAbDZ-7tE0qrLFqaQ-SVhCB16eQHFXm8nVpEuUyYinfwxPaNmEI9ZTx4VJpRoCru4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds