At DV Solicitors we appreciate that Brexit has impacted our clients in many ways. In particular, we understand that sourcing workers has been difficult for those businesses we work with, who have previously employed workers from the EEA.
Prior to Brexit, EEA workers were able to travel and work within the EEA without restrictions. Post-Brexit however, this is no longer possible. As a result, employers and employees from Europe will have to consider other visa routes.
For existing EU employees who are already in the UK and have been resident here by 31 December 2020, they will not be required to apply for a visa as long as they have applied for pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021. There are some exceptions to this deadline however based on individual circumstances.
Under the Skilled Worker visa route, new entrants from the EU will be able to enter the UK if they have a genuine offer of work from an employer listed on the UK’s list of sponsors and are eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship to make a visa application. They will need to meet English language requirements and meet a salary threshold relating to their job role. The general salary threshold for this category is £25,600 per year however a sponsor may need to pay a higher salary than this based on the type of job. Alternatively, reductions in salary may be possible if the role is one in a health or education profession, shortage occupation, or the applicant has a PhD relevant to their job.
