NFU Scotland, Shepherd and Wedderburn and Citizens Advice Scotland to host webinar on immigration rules for permanent workers on May 25
Do you know your EU Settlement Scheme from your Skilled Worker Visa application? What happens to workers who have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021?
UK immigration policy has undergone the biggest change in decades so key organisations are joining forces to host a webinar to ensure farming businesses are aware of how their ability to recruit and retain permanent workers is affected.
The webinar, on Tuesday May 25 from 19.00 – 20.30, hosted by NFU Scotland and supported by Shepherd and Wedderburn and Citizens Advice Scotland, will examine the options available, employer and worker responsibilities, and the practical steps that need to be taken to avoid potential problems. If you employ or are thinking about employing a migrant worker on a permanent basis, this webinar is for you.
Set up in response to member queries, NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy will chair the discussion with leading immigration experts to learn more about immigration policy for permanent workers, and the practical steps employers need to take to minimise the possible impact of these changes on agricultural businesses.
Martin Kennedy said: “We have had a range of queries coming from our members, but one thing is clear - the way we will employ non-UK national workers has changed and many agricultural businesses could be affected.
“The business implications of being unable to retain key staff are severe; our skilled agricultural workforce is essential to maintain our high-quality food production, animal welfare standards and good environmental record in Scotland.
“Immigration is a serious subject, and we are grateful that our professional NFU Scotland members Shepherd and Wedderburn, alongside Citizens Advice Scotland, will help us navigate the policy and provide meaningful analysis about what farmers and their workers need to do.
“This issue is so important that the event is open to all in the food and farming sectors, not just NFU Scotland members.”
Jaqueline Moore, Head of Immigration at Shepherd and Wedderburn, said: “Free movement ended on 31 December 2020, which means that EU nationals are now subject to the same immigration system as non-EU nationals. The new immigration system is complex and involves additional cost and compliance considerations. In this webinar, alongside the other panellists, I will provide an overview of the new immigration system, highlight what agricultural businesses need to know and identify the action they should take now to meet its requirements.”
Lucile Giriat, EU Citizens Support Scheme Adviser at Citizens Advice Scotland, said: "EU citizens have very little time left to secure their right to stay and to continue working in the UK after the end of June this year. We have experienced advisers available across all regions of Scotland to support eligible EU workers and their family members with their EU Settlement Scheme application. It is essential that they contact us as soon as possible, and before June 30th, 2021, if they need assistance."
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Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675