EU Settlement Scheme: What does it mean for me?

EU Settlement Scheme: What does it mean for me?

EU Settlement Scheme: What does it mean for me?

As of 1st January , this year, the United Kingdom has officially left the European Union. This means there are a lot of changes happening this year that could affect the wider economy but more importantly will affect individuals and their livelihoods. This is mostly because the freedom of movement rights for EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss nationals has ended. Therefore, the UK Government has put in place the EU Settlement Scheme, specifically to secure the right of residence in the UK for these nationals and their families. As a contractor working through Husp this could be something you need to look into in the next few months. To support you we have answered some of the questions you may have.  

Should I apply?

You can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme if you or a family member are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. You will also need to apply if you were born in the UK but are not a UK citizen. If you have children, you will need to apply for them separately.

Countries included in the EU are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Non-EU countries included in the EEA are: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Swiss citizens can also apply.

You do not need to apply if you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or Irish citizenship.

Am I eligible?

If you are not eligible based on EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship, you may still be able to apply if you have a familial relationship with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. We suggest looking at the government website and reading through their detailed clarification on who can apply.

What will I get?

As it stands, until 30th June 2021 your rights as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen do not change. But after the cutoff date those who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme successfully will be able to continue living and working in the UK. You will be given either “settled status” or “pre-settled status”.

Settled status should be given to anyone who has had continuous residence in the UK for over 5 years. Settled status entitles you  to stay in the UK for as long as you like. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship if you are eligible.

Pre-settled status will be given to those who have not had 5 years of continuous residence. You must have been living in the UK from 31st December 2020 and this will give you the right to remain for 5 more years. You can apply for settled status once you have reached 5 years but you must do this before your pre-settled status has expired. 

What do I need to apply?

In order to apply for the European Settlement Scheme, you will need proof of identity, meaning either a passport or a biometric residence permit/card. You will also be required to provide a digital photograph of your face.

The Home Office will also do a check to see if you have continuous residence. By providing your national insurance number there will be an automated check of your residence based on tax and benefit records.

If you are applying for settled status and there is not enough immediate evidence to support the fact that you have been in the UK for 5 or more years, the Home Office may request further proof.

When should I apply by?

The deadline to apply is the 30th June 2021. But we would suggest having a look into it sooner rather than later. Follow the link below to the government website to get started.

Visit the government website here to find out more

Seven Simple Steps to IR35 Legal Compliance for Recruiters

Seven Simple Steps to IR35 Legal Compliance for Recruiters

Seven Simple Steps to IR35 Legal Compliance for Recruiters

The IR35 legislation changes are just around the corner. The closer we get to April 6th the more crucial it is that we all understand just what that means. We need to be confident in what responsibilities we have to take when the changes are finally implemented and how to ensure IR35 legal compliance for recruiters. The changes mean that the responsibility for determining the IR35 status of contractors is moving from the contractor to the end client. As a recruiter your resource pool could dramatically change as could your legal obligations.

Replicating public sector changes

If you have been working within the public sector at all, you will already have a full understanding of the new obligations. This is because 3 years ago the public sector already saw the introduction of the reforms, meaning we have a clear picture of a recruiter’s responsibilities going in. As of this April, all recruiters placing a contractor through a personal service company (PSC), public or private sector, will have to bear in mind the legislation changes. Therefore, we have put together some simple steps for recruiters to make sure they are compliant moving forward.

7 simple steps
  1. Read the government guidance – Take the time to read through the material supplied by the government to fully understand the reform.   
  2. Speak with each end client – Have a conversation with your end clients before April 6th to make sure that you understand their viewpoint on the changes. They may have already made a blanket decision on whether they will be accepting PSC contractors or not.
  3. Communicate with contractors – With the information gained from your clients you will be able to communicate a situation early in the process with a contractor saving you time later down the road.
  4. Count up your current PSC contractors – Run an internal audit in the coming months and get a good idea of the number of contractors already working through you using a PSC.
  5. Take a note of end dates – Keep an eye on the end dates of the contractors counted above and take note of any that extend past 6th April 2021. Flag these to your end client and ask about their plans regarding the assignments.
  6. Consider the fee payer   If you are currently acting as the fee payer for a contractor you will now be responsible for tax and National Insurance deductions.
  7. Seek advice when needed – Most importantly seek appropriate advice when you are unsure. Whether that be speaking to an Umbrella company or an IR35 specialist.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the jargon surrounding the IR35 reform. Whilst our steps are by no means completely comprehensive, we hope that they will relieve some of the pressure.

Got more questions?

Here at Husp we are always happy to discuss the legislation changes and what they could mean for you going forward. Please feel free to contact us on 0333 003 7891. 

7 Top Tips for Zoom Interviews

7 Top Tips for Zoom Interviews

7 Top Tips for Zoom Interviews

Zoom interviews have become the norm for anyone looking for a new role during the pandemic. You should prepare as you would for any interview, but there are some specific things you can do to improve your chances:

1. Pick a quiet space & communicate with your household

Choose an area that is quiet and free of distractions. This way your interviewer can direct their full attention to what you have to say. Using a room where you can shut the door is an ideal space to interview and make sure you let your household know not to disturb you.

2. Look into the camera while speaking

When you are at an in-person interview, maintaining eye contact with your interviewer is a sign of confidence and respect. Video chat makes this a bit different, because if you were to look them in the eye on your screen, it may not look like that on their end. Instead, look into the camera as you are speaking. This creates the illusion that you are looking at them rather than yourself or the screen.

3. Wear professional attire

Dress professionally exactly how you would during an in-person interview. This means you should wear your nicest business attire. Even if the interviewer cannot see your legs, still wear nice bottoms to feel fully prepared and professional.

4. Turn off notifications

As well as turning off your phone, you should also turn off any notifications on your computer. Close any websites or anything else that could become a distraction. Set the Zoom meeting to full screen so that your interviewer is the only thing you can see.

5. Choose a professional background

Make sure your background is sparse and only has professional-looking items in the background or use blur options. Setting up in front of a blank wall or a few decorations shows that you are organized and pay attention to detail.

6. Find a good internet connection

Before Zoom interviews, make sure you have a strong internet connection. Test out your connection where you plan to sit during your interview. If you can stream video or Zoom with other people, then you are likely to have a solid connection during your interview.

7. Use appropriate body language

During your interview, sit up straight with your hands in your lap and your feet on the floor. While you speak, you may use your hands as well if that’s natural for you. As your interviewer speaks, use nonverbal cues such as nodding and smiling to show that you are listening.

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