The Brexit transition period is now over and this has had an impact on immigration, resulting in the introduction of a new point based immigration system in the UK. 
Free movement between the UK and the EU ended on the 31st of December 2020 and EU citizens will now be treated the same an non-EU citizens. 
 
This, of course, will affect who can work in the UK, how they obtain permission to work in the UK and how employers can recruit them. 
 
5 points to be aware of: 
 
Virtually all European nationals (and their family members) will need to apply under the EU settlement scheme to continue living and working in the UK long term. 
Only those with indefinite leave to remain or who are Irish nationals are exempt from applying. 
Importantly, those with permanent residence documents must still apply, as well as family members of Irish nationals. 
The application is an online process with no application fees. The deadline for applying is 30th June 2021, and failure to apply by then may mean the individual will not have the right to live and work in the UK after 30th June 2021. 
It is also likely to mean that it would be a criminal offence for a business to employ them. 
 
Do you need to change your recruitment strategies? 
 
There will be some changes that employers will need to be aware of and will have to take account of these within their recruitment strategy and processes. 
 
Employers will need to be aware of the following, in particular: 
 
Since 1st January 2021, European nationals coming to the UK for the first time will now be treated in the same way as non-European nationals. 
To live and work in the UK they will need to apply under the new immigration rules, which came into effect on 1st January 2021. 
In many cases, employers will need to sponsor European nationals under the new skilled worker category and will need a sponsor licence. 
If the business does not already hold a sponsor licence, it should consider applying for one as soon as possible, with appropriate advice. 
 
If you are uncertain as to how the new immigration system works, you can find more information on the Gov.UK website 
Humber HR People offer both standard HR recruitment and talent acquisition services. Contact us to find out more about how we can help. 
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