Preparing for Brexit
The 29thMarch is looming – are you and your business prepared for Brexit?? Of course not; is anyone? I mean REALLY prepared!? The answer is almost definitely no. Why? Well it is difficult to be prepared when there are still no real answers.
Change is coming and employers will need to deal with the consequences of Brexit and what it may mean for their workforce.
One thing that is clear, is that the free movement for UK and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals in the UK will be a thing of the past after 29thMarch 2019. To be able to make informed workplace planning decisions employers will need to understand how this will affect their EEA nationals in the UK and what those individuals will need to do to protect their right to stay. Employers should ensure that they communicate with those affected employees and ensure that where applications for status are required, they are made in good time.
Under the withdrawal agreement all EU nationals (except Irish nationals) exercising a Treaty right in the UK will need to apply for settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme before the end of the transitional period (31 December 2020); including those individuals who already hold a registration certificate or permanent residence card.
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021, providing that there is a deal.
With a no-deal scenario still on the cards, employers should plan for this also. In the event of a no-deal scenario the transitional period will not apply and so the settlement scheme will only be available to EU nationals already as resident in the UK by 29thMarch 2019 and all EU nationals arriving after this date will not qualify for settled status.
It is important to start planning today to protect you and your employees.
Contact Harwood for advice and guidance.
