Potential Brexit Implications – update from the Secretary of State for Health
The letter from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to health and care providers sent out last week provided an update on the government’s preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit:
This email to community pharmacies is to highlight that registered pharmacists and pharmacist technicians are eligible for the pilot which enables EU nationals to be able to register for settled status if they have been here for five years, or pre-settled status if they have been here for less than five years.
This opportunity to get certainty earlier is open until 21st December so please do cascade this message promptly and encourage relevant staff to register. Any staff members who believe they are eligible for the pilot are encouraged to put in an application for consideration.
The following sections of the letter are repeated to highlight relevant details for making such an application:
Workforce
EU nationals play a crucial role in our health and care system, and I want them to know that they have a secure future here after the UK leaves the EU. As the Prime Minister reiterated recently, regardless of whether we leave the EU with or without a deal, the rights of EU citizens will be protected here.
EU Settlement Scheme
Through the EU Settlement Scheme, which will launch in early 2019, EU nationals will be able to register for settled status if they have been here for five years, or pre-settled status if they have been here for less than five years. The process to register is simple and largely digital, and will cost £65 per adult and £32.50 per child. I am aware that some employers are planning to meet this cost, and this is something that you may wish to consider.
To test the system prior to wider launch, the Home Office has opened it up to health and care staff for a period of three weeks initially, until Friday, 21 December 2018. NHS. There is no obligation for EU nationals to register early; however, it is an opportunity for many to get this certainty earlier, and I would strongly encourage you to publicise this to your health and care staff who are EU nationals.
We have tried to ensure as many EU nationals as possible can take part in the pilot. The full list of those that are eligible to take part in the pilot scheme can be found in the Immigration Rules – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/747685/Statement-of-Changes-to-the-Immigration-Rules-HC1534-Accessible.pdf#page=6 .
This includes any EU national who is employed or engaged by, or registered with, one of the following organisations…. General Pharmacy Council.
