EEA Citizens

Amid continuing uncertainty over Brexit, Simply-Docs has added a letter reminding employees who are European Economic Area (EEA) citizens of the importance of applying for settled status under the EU settlement scheme.

The EU Settlement Scheme enables EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK to obtain the status they will need in order to live and work in the UK after 30 June 2021, or after 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Employers are not required to tell their employees to apply but it is good practice to do so. As of September 2019, Home Office figures show that over 1.5 million people have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme. Of these, 1.1 million people have had their cases decided. EEA citizens who successfully apply for the scheme will be given either:

· Settled status (for those with at least 5 years’ continuous residence); or

· Pre-settled status (for those who do not have 5 years’ continuous residence when they apply)

So far, 62% of those who have made a successful application under the EU settlement scheme have been given settled status.

Simply-Docs has also added three salary forms to help employers to process joiners, leavers and changes to employee’s salary, personal details and/or terms and conditions. The forms are designed to be completed by the line manager or HR team and then passed through to payroll.

The contents of this Newsletter are for reference purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Independent legal advice should be sought in relation to any specific legal matter.