Amongst those shortages are waiters, lorry drivers, fruit and flower pickers, livestock workers, chefs and construction workers.
The result of these staff shortages is that companies are having to cut their capacity because they are unable to meet the demand. This will unequivocally have an economic impact on the UK.
Business leaders have expressed concerns that the staff shortages in the UK will stagnate the UK’s economic recovery from Covid-19.
The pandemic has certainly had an impact on these shortages, with many Europeans returning to their home countries during this time and some deciding to remain there.
There is the belief that once the furlough scheme comes to an end (on 30 September 2021), many who have been relying on this source of income will be required to return to work or find new jobs (if necessary). In spite of this, it is believed that shortages will still persist.
Brexit is said to have significantly affected staff shortages in the UK. The number of European workers looking for jobs in the UK has undoubtedly decreased. The decline in the last year in interest for EU jobseekers when it comes to working in the UK is evident, and was not replicated in other European countries who are part of the EU. The UK government intended for the EU Settlement Scheme to be a quick and simple application for the majority of EEA and Swiss nationals residing in the UK, to ensure that they could continue doing so after 30 June 2021, but any applications made now will be considered as ‘late’.
Unless the applicant is a joining family member, they will be required to evidence that they were in the UK before 31 December 2020 with an intention to reside. If this requirement is met, but the applicant failed to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline of 30 June 2021, it may still be possible to make successful applications under the EU Settlement Scheme. In addition, the UK government will protect the rights of late applications until their EU Settlement Scheme application has been decided and any appeal rights have been exhausted. Many were not aware that the EU Settlement Scheme existed until the deadline had passed.
Gherson’s expertise in immigration-based claims and range of services that cover the full spectrum of UK immigration categories can help EU nationals with late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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