UK ceased being a member of the European Union earlier this year and we are now in the transitional period. The transition period runs until the end of 2020; however due to Covid 19 there has been little publicity about what changes will take place until now.
The government continues to negotiate and formalise arrangements for the UK with the EU and other counties. In the meantime, businesses must prepare for the changes coming into effect very soon and look out for further changes.
Immigration
In spring 2020 the new point system for immigration was introduced by the government. The government will introduce a new immigration system for those who want to work in the UK after January 2021.
EU citizens, those who were already are in the UK or arrive before 1st January 2021 can continue to work without needing to show settlement statement until 1st July 2021.
Those who arrive after 1st January 2021 will need to comply with the UK post Brexit immigration requirements.
From 1st January 2021 free movement will end and the UK will introduce a points based immigration system. The latest guidance on UK points based immigration system was published by the government in September 2020 and is available from the Gov UK website.
Permission
The UK will treat EU and non EU citizens equally. Anyone coming to the UK to work, with the exception of Irish citizens, must apply for permission in advance of entering the UK. EU citizens already living in the UK by 31st of December 2020 do not have to do the above however they must apply for EU settlement scheme. The EU settlement application must be made by 30th June 2021.
From 1st January 2021 companies who want to recruit from outside of the UK resident work market must be a Home Office licence sponsor. This will enable the company to recruit from anywhere in the world. The rules for employing someone from outside of the UK, other than Irish citizens, will be the same. Full details of the new points based immigration scheme and becoming a Home Office licence sponsor is available from the Gov website.
Further details of the immigration system and any other changes applicable to Brexit will follow as the government releases further information in the coming weeks.
For further advice and guidance for Brexit and any other employment matters contact the telephone advice line on 01455852028.
