EU Settlement Scheme: Ensure Your Workers Do Not Miss Out

1. Home
2. 
3. Blogs
4. 
5. EU Settlement Scheme: Ensure Your Workers Do Not Miss Out

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU citizens resident in the UK to apply for the status required to remain after June 2021. Successful applicants will be granted ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status, depending on how long they have lived in the UK.  Those who are unsuccessful have the right to appeal.

When is the deadline?

The deadline for applications to remain is 30 June 2021.

With just four months left, it is important that employers make sure that EU workers who fall under the criteria of the EU Settlement Scheme are aware of what this may mean for them and that they do not miss out on the deadline for applying.

How can employers support workers and prepare for any changes the scheme may bring to their workforce?

• Ensure facts and information are communicated clearly to workers. Employers must make sure all information communicated is up to date and employees are made aware of any recent or upcoming changes.
• Conduct a workforce audit. An audit will help employers identify who in their workforce may be affected by the right to remain post Brexit and what challenges these employees may face.
• Support workers who may be affected. Help make the process for employees easy and straightforward for them by providing workers with the correct documentation to support their application.
• Create a plan for your business in case workers applications are rejected. Some workers applications may be rejected, forcing them to leave the UK. Plan as though some of your EU workers will be rejected. What area of your business will be impacted? How will you replenish your workforce?
• Invite employees to informative seminars. Virtual seminars on the EU settlement scheme may help explain clearly to workers what is required of them if they are affected, what actions they should be taking leading up to the deadline and how you as their employer will help support them.
• Check out the government website. An employer’s toolkit can be found here, which contains useful resources and guides for employers.
• Share the application link with workers. Whether it is via your intranet, a blog or a virtual team meeting, employers should consider sharing the link to apply with their employees. The application process is easy, free of charge and quick. The Home Office announced that they have now received 5 million applications, make sure your workers do not miss out!

This can be a worrying and confusing time for not only EU workers who may be affected but employers too, if you would like further support on communicating the scheme to employees or advice on workforce planning, please contact us. We will be happy to help! Contact [email protected] for more information.