The Home Office has confirmed that, whilst EU Settlement Scheme Applications will continue to be processed, the likelihood is that they will take longer than usual, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
More than three million people have been granted status through the settlement scheme, but some of the support services that deal with this, and the associated application routes have been temporarily amended, or suspended.
The Settlement Resource Centre (SRC) will no longer be receiving telephone calls but will continue to respond to any questions submitted via email and will make call backs where required. If possible, emails from support organisations will be prioritised.
ID document scanner locations are currently suspended following recent Public Health England advice in order to protect staff.
No documents will be accepted by post at present, but any that are sent in will be returned as soon as possible. As the postal route for submitting identity evidence has been suspended, applications should be made online using the “EU exit ID Document check app”. Some of the services offered by 57 grant funded voluntary and community sector organisations have been suspended but they wish to provide support in line with social distancing guidance. This could be by providing assistance either over the telephone or online. For further details, check with the relevant individual organisation.
The Home Office has reiterated that the deadline of 30 June 2021 for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme is still 15 months away, and that there is still plenty of support available online for anyone wishing to apply.
EU citizens within the UK can apply online through Assisted Digital, which offers help over the phone, should they lack the confidence to apply using the normal route.
Materials are available in 26 languages at the translated communications materials section of the Gov.UK website.
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Temporary changes to right to work checks during coronavirus outbreak 31 March 2020
The Home Secretary has confirmed that, to allow employers to carry out right to work checks more easily, the process will be amended during the coronavirus outbreak.
The changes announced on 30 March are immediately effective and mean that the Home Office will not require employers to see original documents, but that they can accept scanned documents, or photos of documents sent via email or mobile app as proof of an individual’s right to work. Checks may also be carried out over video calls. The guidance suggests that employers take the following steps: • Request that the worker submits a signed copy or a photo of the original documents via email or using a mobile app • Arranges a video call with the worker, requesting that they hold up the original documents to the camera so that they can be checked against the digital copy of the documents • Record the date that the check was made and mark as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19” • For individuals who hold a current Biometric Residence Permit/ Card or status under the EU Settlement Scheme, the online right to work checking service can be used while the video call is being carried out, but the applicant must confirm that they are happy for the employer to view their details There is still a legal obligation on employers to carry out these checks, and it is an offence to knowingly employ anybody who does not have legal immigration status in the UK. The documents that can be accepted are listed in the right to work checks: an employer’s guide. The fines for hiring an illegal worker can be up to £20,000 per person. In line with standard process, for any prospective employee who cannot provide any of the accepted documents, employers should utilise the Employer Checking Service. If the individual has a right to work, a ‘Positive Verification Notice’ will be sent, which gives the employer a statutory excuse for six months from the date on that notice.
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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