Blog: Brexit & Talent

8 September, 2020

Brexit & Talent: Moving to the UK from the EU

Up until December 31st 2020 all EU citizens will have free movement to live and gain long-term employment in the UK. From January 1st, 2021 these citizens will have to qualify under a points-based immigration system to do so.

The UK is set to leave the EU at the end of 2020 and Instant Impact have put this document together to inform employers, employees and potential employees on the processes in place for EU citizens to move to the UK both during the transition period and post-Brexit. Whether you're a UK-based employer currently considering candidates based across Europe, or a European citizen considering opportunities in the UK and a move at some point in the near future, there are 2 key time periods to consider:

1. The Transition Period: Until December 31st 2020

During the transition period the UK is still bound by EU laws and as a result citizens living in the EU have the right to come to the UK to live and work. Freedom of movement in this way will continue up until December 31st 2020. Currently, EU citizens that have been living in the UK can register for the EU settlement scheme, a relatively simple process that allows people leave to remain living and working in the UK post-Brexit with either ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status. If the individual has lived and worked in the UK for more than 5 years then they will be considered ‘settled’ and anything less they will be considered ‘pre-settled’.

- ‘Settled’ status provides citizens leave to remain and the ability to spend up to five years in a row outside the UK without losing their status
- ‘Pre-settled’ status provides citizens leave to remain and the ability to spend up to 2 years in a row outside the UK without losing their status

2. Post-Brexit: From January 1st 2021

So what about EU citizens who haven’t been living in the UK?

As previously stated, during the transition period all EU citizens have free movement to come to live and work in the UK. Anyone that moves during this time will also have the ability to register for the EU settlement scheme if they wish to continue doing so post-Brexit, providing they arrive before December 31st 2020.

If, however, an EU citizen wishes to move to the UK post-Brexit, they will have to meet the requirements set out by the UK’s new points-based immigration system – the full details of which are yet to be published. This system will be employer-led, with the individual having to demonstrate that they have a job offer at a required skill level, salary threshold and can speak English.

If you have a specific case that you would like to discuss further with one of our team or would like to learn how a Talent Partnership with Instant Impact can help with recruitment during this time then please get in touch.

Written by William Underwood, Talent Acquisition Associate