WHILE THE government may have waived the application fee for EU Settled Status applications, no one in Britain is any clearer on what future immigration will be allowed in the case of a No Deal.
‘Not only do we face a cliff edge for the supply chain moving goods, but also for the people driving our goods across the UK,’ stresses the Freight Transport Association.
‘European workers are a key supporter of the UK’s complex supply chain, undertaking vital roles in all areas of moving goods and services across the country to support manufacturers, retailers, schools, and individuals,’ says Sally Gilson, FTA’s head of skills. ‘The news that the SeGled Status Scheme is finally open to selected applicants is encouraging, but too little too late. Three million people cannot be processed in eight weeks and there is no system for employers to check right to work.’
‘In addition, businesses still cannot make plans for their workforce after March, with the Future Immigration White Paper still to be ratified. This is unacceptable after two years in which government could have clarified the situation to ensure consistency in the supply chain.
‘It seems ludicrous that government has itself confirmed that businesses cannot check EU workers’ right to work until a suitable system is in place. So how and when is this to be possible?’ asks the FTA.
