Brexit – the story for employers so far
The UK electorate voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on 23 June 2016. The legal process for exiting the EU began when the UK notified of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on 29 March 2017. The UK and the EU had two years to decide on the terms of the withdrawal, particularly the extent of the UK’s access to the single market versus the degree to which EU workers retain freedom of movement to the UK.
On 21 March 2019, eight days before the scheduled departure date, the EU offered to delay Brexit until 22 May if MPs approve the deal that has been negotiated. If they could not, a no-deal Brexit would happen on 12 April.
On 11 April, the EU allowed a “flexible extension” to 31 October 2019. Boris Johnson, who took over as prime minister in July, had vowed to leave the EU by that date “do or die”, having negotiated a new deal with the EU. However on 28 October 2019, the EU agreed to extend Brexit again, this time to 31 January 2020.
Our Brexit pages provide news and guidance on all aspects of the UK’s exit from the EU.
Coronavirus to put downward pressure on wage growth
Employers expect pay increases to remain low in the year ahead, as they consider the financial impact the coronavirus outbreak...
Ten key points about the sponsor licence system
Gaining a sponsor licence will be crucial for many organisations under the new immigration system; but it can be a complex procedure.
Top 10 HR questions February 2020: Coronavirus and right-to-work checks
How to respond to the risk of the spread of coronavirus is the subject of February’s most popular FAQs.
Employers...
EU immigration hits 15-year low, adding to business skills fears
Non-EU immigration has increased again but is driven by people - predominantly from Asia - coming to study.
Points-based immigration: five things employers can do now
Employers have been advised not to panic in reaction to the newly published details on the proposed points-based immigration system...
UK’s immigration rules could create low-skilled worker ‘black market’
The government’s points-based immigration rules could increase the risk of worker exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery by criminal gangs,...
Points-based immigration scheme shuts out low-skilled workers
Low-skilled workers would not get a visa under the government’s proposed points-based immigration scheme, details of which have been published...
Fall in visa applications triggers skills warning for private sector
Business consultancy warns of skills shortfall as number of visa applications from non-EU skilled workers has fallen.
Prime minister sets date for points-based immigration system
Downing Street has announced that the new points-based immigration system will be implemented from 1 January 2021.
Top 10 HR questions January 2020: Coronavirus and Brexit
What steps should employers take to manage the coronavirus outbreak?
At the start of the new year, employers have been...
Lords launches IR35 inquiry as freelancer confidence ‘plummets’
A House of Lords select committee is to scrutinise the extension of IR35 rules to the private sector, just two...
‘Brexit Day’: time to get your house in order, employers urged
With the UK leaving the European Union at 11:00pm this evening, employers are being urged to use the Brexit transition...
Brexit: future-proof your workforce (webinar)
With Brexit now a reality, organisations need to ensure not only that their staff have the right to work in...
Immigration: MAC recommends lower salary threshold after Brexit
The salary threshold for skilled migrant workers entering the UK should be lowered to £25,600 to make it more affordable...
Fast-track ‘Global Talent’ visas for top scientists unveiled
“Top” international scientists, mathematicians and researchers will be able to apply to work in the UK under a fast-track visa...
