TheRetailer_Autumn_2019

No deal scenarios I n the event of a no deal the government has set out technical notices regarding individuals arriving from the EU before and after the UK formally leaves the EU. Those arriving before the EU Exit date The existing EU Settlement Scheme will continue to operate as planned, however the period for applications will shorten. • EU citizens and their family members resident in the UK by the EU Exit date will be able to apply under the scheme to secure their status and continue to be able to work, study, and access benefits and services in the UK on the same basis as they currently do. • In a no deal scenario there would be no agreed implementation period, and EU citizens must apply to the Settlement Scheme by 31 December 2020. • The UK’s new immigration system would come into place as planned from 1 January 2021. Those arriving after the EU Exit date • EEA citizens arriving in the UK will need to apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain, if they want to stay in the UK after the EU Exit date. • There will be no fee. • Subject to identity, criminality and security checks, permission to stay in the UK (European temporary leave to remain) will be granted for 36 months

• This permission to stay for 36 months is temporary and cannot be extended. Those who wish to stay for longer will need to apply and qualify under the UK’s new immigration system which will be in place from 1 January 2021. • As now EEA citizens will be able to prove their right to work and rent property using their EU passport or identify card until 31 December 2020. • During this period there will be no changes to Right to Work checks on EEA citizens. Employers do not have to differentiate between those who are resident in the UK before EU Exit date and those who arrive afterwards. • They could also choose to use their digital status. What retailers should be considering doing now: • Raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme across your workforce. Find Home Office tools here. • Encourage EEA citizens to sign up receive updates directly from the government about their status (click here). • Start thinking about future labour and skills needs and the potential impact of the future immigration on your business. • For retailers operating across the EU and moving UK citizens across borders, start thinking about future implications for that cohort, including a no deal scenario.