Employers must do more to support EU nationals, expert warns

Employers should do more to support colleagues who need to make applications under the Settled Status scheme, an immigration law specialist has warned.

Thalej Vasishta, Group CEO of Nottingham-based Paragon Law, has expressed concern over the apparent lack of awareness of the scheme at a series of events in the Mansfield and Ashfield area.

He said: “One of my concerns is how few of the delegates were aware of the Settled Status Scheme. This part of Nottinghamshire voted over 60 per cent in favour of the UK leaving the EU and since the referendum, Centre for Cities research suggests that 31 per cent of EU nationals have left and returned home from this area (compared to 8 per cent in Nottingham).

“The UK has confirmed that all EU nationals that have made the UK their home are allowed to stay but that they must register their intention to do so under the EU Settled Status Scheme. Employers should do more to support colleagues who need to make these applications and maintain up to date communications with leadership, HR and colleagues.”

Vasishta has also noted the potential impact that Brexit, and particularly the no-deal scenario, could have on immigration law.

He said: “There will be no changes to Right to Work checks on EU citizens until 30 June 2021 (or January 2021 in the event of a no deal). This means that EU Nationals will be able to enter the UK up until the end of the Transition period and continue to use their passports or national identity cards as proof of their rights to work.

“However, it is critical for businesses to start keeping records of EU colleagues’ immigration status with records maintained of who has settled status, pre-settled status, who is yet to apply and then at the relevant time who will need to apply under the new EU Temporary Leave To Remain visa once it is introduced. Maintaining these records now will save time later.”