Urgent: Westside’s EU staff must apply for settled status by 30 June

Hundreds of hospitality staff from mainland Europe may have to leave their jobs at venues across Westside unless they apply for settled status by the end of this month.

EU nationals have until 30 June to complete their paperwork as those without settled or pre-settled status will be unable to work, open a bank account, access healthcare or rent a home in the UK.

The government has now issued reminder posters across the UK to explain what EU staff and their families need to do.

This reads: “If you are an EU citizen and you want to continue living in the UK, you must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. The application is free, but all family members must apply separately. Deadline 30 June 2021.”

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, today urged all hospitality venues with EU staff to help them complete any outstanding applications as an urgent priority.

Mr Olley explained that an informal snap survey of the BID’s hospitality venues had revealed that hotels could be hardest hit by the issue, with some having up to 90% of staff from the EU.

He said: “One of the consequences of Brexit is that what used to be the natural ability to live and work anywhere across Europe is now no longer possible without the right paperwork in the UK.

“We have hundreds of great, committed EU nationals working hard across Westside, but they will need to have settled status to continue in their jobs.

“The deadline of 30 June for any outstanding applications is a crucial one, as this is a non-changeable date in the government’s process to arrange settled status where appropriate.

“Therefore, any venues employing EU nationals should remind their staff of the need to act and where possible should assist them in getting those applications in on time.”

Mr Olley added: “These figures show just how important EU workers are to the Westside economy, and highlights how important it is that they are supported to achieve their settled status.” EU workers can apply online at www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme or can call the EU Settlement Resolution Centre on 0300 123 7379.

By Steve Dyson