Following Brexit, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) now applies to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and this will mean a significant change to our ‘Right to Work’ processes for contractors.
Umbrella contractors who do not yet have indefinite leave to enter the UK or indefinite leave to remain in the UK but wish to continue to live and work here after 30th June 2021 must apply to the EUSS before the deadline. Failing to do so will mean they become unlawful residents of the United Kingdom.
Unfortunately, those who entered the UK after December 2020 are not eligible to apply to the scheme.
Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme
For umbrella contractors who are EU, EEA or Swiss nationals, if you haven’t done so already, it is crucial that you begin the application process as soon as possible, with the deadline of 30th June 2021 fast approaching. You can apply through the EUSS website and using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app. Applications to the scheme will require proof of identity and proof of residence in the UK in the six months leading up to 31st December 2020.
Applications can take a few weeks to be reviewed, but upon this they will either:
Receive settled status
You typically receive this status if you have been living in the UK for a continuous 5 year period.
Receive pre-settled status
For those that have not lived in the UK for five years in a row you will typically receive pre-settled status (as long as you were living in the UK by 31st December 2020).
Be unsuccessful
An unsuccessful application will unfortunately mean that you are no longer able to remain and work in the UK
Successful applicants will receive a share code to provide to current and future employers (such as Exchequer Solutions). Right to Work will subsequently be checked via the government site.
If you have any questions with regards to Right to Work checks and how this will affect you when contracting via our umbrella service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak to the Exchequer team.