Carly Hayle, immigration specialist at Knights plc provides strategic immigration compliance advice to multinational businesses across a variety of sectors and is a member of our specialist Brexit panel. Carly explains here the impact of Brexit on businesses if they recruit or employ EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.
Brexit will impact on your workforce in several ways, including:
From January 2021 there will be a new UK points based immigration system. For the first time in decades, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who wish to work in the UK will be subject to the same immigration controls as non-EEA nationals.
EU, EEA or Swiss nationals who want to continue to live and work in the UK will need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to be granted either pre or settled status. Irish citizens and individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain will not need to apply. The deadline for applications is30 June 2021 and individuals must be living in the UK before 31 December 2020
The new immigration system will also make several changes to the current Tier 2 General (skilled) visa including a reduction to the required skill level (from RQF level 6 to RQF level 3) a reduction in salary from £30,000 to £20,480 and £25,600 per annum and the option to trade points against a lower salary if, for example the role is on the shortage occupation list to make up the required 70 points.
If you employ UK nationals living in the EU/EEA/Switzerland then check out the government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe
It is also important to plan for cut-off dates and any differential status that might apply to new arrivals to the UK.
Do you have staff that travel to the EU for work? If so, check out the guidance for travel and visa requirements for the EU here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021
Disclaimer
The information was correct at time of publishing but may now be out of date.
