A range of new advice and guidance is available from Government following the end of the EU transition period. This article lists the key sources of advice for the professional and business services sector. These documents are available via www.GOV.UK/transition with direct links below.
They sit alongside the Government Brexit checker tool which you can use to obtain personalised actions for your business: https://www.gov.uk/transition-check/questions
Key actions for professional and business services:
1. Check if a visa or work permit is required to travel to Europe for work purposes
Anyone travelling for work purposes may need to apply for a visa, work permit or other documentation before travelling to the EU / EEA / Switzerland from 1 January 2021, particularly if they plan to stay longer than 90 in 180 days, or are carrying out activities not covered by a country’s visa-waiver list. Whatever businesses and individuals are doing, we advise them to check the rules of the relevant Member State to find out if they need to apply.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021/business-travel-extra-requirements
2. The way businesses hire from the EU has changed
Freedom of movement between the EU and UK has ended and the UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system. If a business wants to hire anyone from outside the UK’s resident labour market, they must be a Home Office licenced sponsor. This includes recruiting people from the EU. Anyone coming to the UK to work will need a job offer from a licenced sponsor in advance and will need to meet certain skills and salary criteria. The new system doesn’t apply when hiring Irish citizens, or EU citizens eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Find out more: https://pbisemployers.campaign.gov.uk/
3. Be prepared on data protection and data transfers
If a business receives personal data from the EU for business use, they may need to take action on data protection.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-personal-data-in-your-business-or-other-organisation
4. Get UK qualifications recognised now by EU regulators to be able to practise or service clients in the EU
To continue to practise or service clients in the EU now that the transition period is over, businesses will need to ensure their qualifications are recognised by the relevant regulatory or professional body.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-your-eu-professional-qualification-recognised-in-the-uk
5. Check changes to their ability to own, manage or direct a company
registered in the EU.
If an individual has a UK business or is a UK citizen, there may be changes to their ability to own, manage or direct a company registered in the EU. If they provide services to the EU, they will need to check the national regulations of the country they are doing business in to understand how best to operate, including regulations regarding corporate structure, ownership, tax, data sharing and registration requirements.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit
Who can I ask for help?
For further advice and access to specialist support, businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire can contact SWLEP Growth Hub’s business readiness team via:
Tel: 01249 477 288
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk/support/EUExit