The EU Settlement scheme allows EU citizens to continue working in the UK until 30 June without applying for ‘settled status’.
EU citizens who work in the UK from 1 July must have ‘settled status’ – which can be obtained by making applications through the Government website – www.gov.uk. No fees are payable, but workers must make the applications themselves, or cease working here.
Employers such as construction companies must not ignore this issue. Businesses who are found guilty of employing someone who they knew, or have reasonable cause to believe, did not have the right to work in the UK can face an unlimited fine and a jail term of up to five years. Businesses who do not do the correct checks, or do not perform checks correctly, can be fined up to £20,000.
The reliance on EU workers in the construction industry is well known. Construction companies need to ensure all EU workers know they need to apply for settled status before 30 June to ensure they avoid skill shortages on site – or fines and potentially jail terms.
Would you like to know more?
If you would like to discuss the above or how it may affect you, please get in touch with your usual Blick Rothenberg contact or Heather Powell, using the details on this page.
For any press queries, please contact David Barzilay whose details are on this page.