How to manage the impact of Brexit
Authors: Louise Haycock and Zahira Patel, Fragomen
NOTE: While this guide was originally aimed at employers preparing in advance of the end of the transition period, it remains useful for those that are reviewing their operations and engaging in workforce planning as a result of the new immigration regime. Employers should note that individuals have until 30 June 2021 to make an application under the settlement scheme or the frontier worker permit scheme.
NOTE: The European Economic Area (EEA) covers all the countries of the EU as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is not part of the EEA, but Swiss nationals have similar rights to EEA nationals. Therefore, reference to the EEA in this guide should be taken to include Switzerland.
Summary
Click on any of the hyperlinks to go to more detailed guidance below.
- Be aware that the transition period that was in place until 31 December 2020 has ended and the right of free movement for UK nationals, and EEA nationals in the UK, no longer applies.
- Carry out an audit of the workforce to establish which employees are EEA nationals in the UK or British nationals in the EEA.
- Understand the settlement scheme for EEA nationals in the UK and the process for applying for settled or pre-settled status.
- Consider the position of employees on international assignments and international commuters in relation to qualification for settled status.
- Monitor the introduction of schemes for UK nationals working in the EEA to obtain the equivalent of settled status.
- Understand the new UK immigration regime and how this impacts the organisation following the transition period.
- Consider the position of business travellers from 1 January 2021 and start to track employees' travel.
- Identify potential skills gaps and labour shortages and plan how to address these.
- Communicate with the workforce on the potential impact of Brexit and support available to employees.
- Consider providing assistance with applications for settled and pre-settled status, and the equivalent applications for UK nationals in the EEA.
