HR managers, is your company Brexit-ready?
As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, it’s
important for UK companies employing EU workers to ensure they’re ready for the
changes that will follow. Those responsible for recruitment should be aware of
these changes and understand what they mean for both the company’s current EU
employees and its future recruitment strategy.
Some steps that can be taken to ensure a smooth transition
for businesses and their employees include:
Keeping your current
EU workers
Firstly, it’s important to ensure that any EU, EEA or Swiss
nationals currently employed by your company can continue to stay in the UK
after 30th June 2021 (if a deal is not agreed, the deadline will be 31st
December 2020). The government’s EU Settlement Scheme gives these people the
opportunity to apply to continue living in the UK following its exit from the
European Union. Applicants who have been here for five years or more will
receive ‘settled’ status, while those who have lived here for less than five
years will get ‘pre-settled’ status.
The process is free, and the government has provided a step-by-step set of instructions on its website to guide applicants. HR officers should familiarise themselves with the process so that they can advise and support any of their company’s employees who need to apply. You can visit the site here.
Preparing to recruit
from outside the EU
Once Brexit has taken place, the process of hiring workers
from the EU will become more difficult. As a result, companies may choose to
start recruiting people from further afield, although they will need to prepare
for this shift in focus.
According to a recent survey, 76% of businesses have no
contingency funds for future recruitment outside the EU. The cost, in terms of
both money and time, of sponsorship licences and Tier 2 Visas means companies
must determine whether they can afford to hire from abroad, as well as identify
the resources necessary to carry out their recruitment plans.
What is a Tier 2 (General)
Visa and why do workers need them?
Tier 2 (General) Visas are the most common type of visa.
They apply to skilled workers earning £30,000 a year and upwards, and require
sponsorship from the company offering employment. Proof of sponsorship comes in
the form of a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).
Once Britain has left the EU, EU citizens without settled or
pre-settled UK status may be subject to the same rules that apply to people
from the rest of the world, meaning they will need to apply for a Tier 2 Visa
if they intend to work in the UK.
How much does an
overseas Tier 2 Visa application cost for a single applicant on a 3-year
contract?
- Application fee – £610
- Immigration health charge – £1,200
- Immigration skills charge (per year of contract)
£1,092 to £3,000 (depending on whether your company is categorised as large or
small)
- Certificate of Sponsorship £199
- Priority visa service £220
Due to the cost, complexity, and
potential pitfalls of the visa application process, recruiters would be wise to
work with an expert in the field. At UK Visas, our team guides companies
through the hurdles of bringing staff into the UK, and facilitates the movement
of employees globally.
Our experience allows us to assess
eligibility quickly and to spot issues before they develop into problems,
providing clients with practical and commercial solutions.
Our services include:
- Advising on all aspects of the points-based system and
assisting with the sponsor registration process
- Work and business routes, including those for sponsored
workers, business visitors, permitted paid engagement visitors, investors,
entrepreneurs, high value migrants and representatives of overseas
businesses
- European applications such as family permits and
permanent residence, and other applications including dependent family
members and British nationality
- Prevention of illegal working including audits of right
to work documents, staff training, hotline services and objections to
fines
- Challenging decisions via administrative review
If you need help understanding how Brexit will affect your
company’s EU nationals and overseas recruitment, our friendly and knowledgeable
team is ready to answer your questions. Get in touch now to arrange a free
consultation.