Source: Gov.uk
With an estimated two million EU Nationals working in the UK, the most significant effects on the UK care sector is preparing for any potential disruptions to the adult social care if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
The Government has updated its guidance for social care providers and sets out the actions you should take before and after the 31st of October 2019 Brexit deadline.
Guidance for healthcare providers is available in the Planning for a no-deal Brexit: information for the health and care sector collection.
» Click here for Brexit updates from the Government
Applying for EU Settlement Status
If policies restrict the UK care labour supply or the services provided by that labour, it will present problems to a considerable number of employers. UK employers will need to consider what their future care workforce will look like if work arrangements significantly reduce the number of workers available to them.
Furthermore, if Britain crashes out of the EU with a No Deal Brexit, it casts further uncertainty on the future of EU citizens living and working in the UK.
We, therefore, strongly urge all providers to ensure that they are supporting the EU citizens they employ by completing the EU Settlement Application as early as possible.
» Applying for EU Settlement Status
Settlement Fee Scrapped
The Government has announced on the 22nd January 2019 that the planned fee to apply for ‘Settled Status’ via the EU Settlement Scheme has been scrapped.
The Home Office EU Settlement Scheme provides EU citizens and their families with a route to living and working in the UK beyond 31 December 2020.
The Home Office has published a short step-by-step guide to help people to navigate the Settlement Scheme process.
They have also developed an employer toolkit, which provides you with a range of tools and information to help you support your EU staff and their families to apply to the scheme.
At HCPA, we have also developed a step-by-step guide for you and your employees to understand this and follow the process through.
» View HCPA’s step-by-step guide
Resources to Prepare Businesses for Brexit
It is vital that providers in the health and care system are prepared to respond to disruptions that affect the future of the EU nationals they employ, which may arise when Britain leaves the EU, with or without a deal.
» Prepare your business for Brexit (Source: gov.uk)
HCPA’s Strategic Partner Support
As a member of HCPA, you are entitled to one advice session free over the telephone with Peninsula Business Services. You are welcome to call them on 0800 028 242 and quote HCPA001.