Employers urged to help European staff apply for settled status before deadline

Hospitality employers are being urged to help European staff with outstanding applications for settled status.

EU nationals have until 30 June to apply for settled status as those without settled or pre-settled status will be unable to work, open a bank account, access healthcare or rent a home in the UK.

Ian Robinson, partner at immigration firm Fragomen, said: "Employers face a tricky challenge in that there is no legal basis in which they can ask staff if they have applied or obtained settled or pre-settled status. In fact, they potentially face discrimination claims if employers insist staff tell them.

"We would, however, urge employers to talk to all their staff, not just those who are European nationals, and offer help and guidance with applications. There is now a degree of urgency to act."

EU nationals are eligible for settled or pre-settled status if they or their family members are an EU, EEA or Swiss national and were in the UK before 11pm on 31 December 2020.

The application will take around 20 minutes via the app or website. In most cases, the Home Office can track residency against tax or benefits records.

The application can take up to four weeks to be processed, but applicants only need to have applied by 30 June. The digital status will be needed when looking for work or renting a property.

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