Brexit

The government has also published advice on other things such as:

• buying from Europe
• passports
• driving and travel
• EHIC cards
• pets
• mobile roaming fees

For more information, please visit the prepare for Brexit if you live in the UK webpage.

Follow the government's advice to check if you or your business are ready for Brexit.

Visit the GOV.UK website for more information about entering the UK from the January 2020.

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family will be able to apply to the EU settlement scheme to continue living in the UK. Irish citizens don't need to apply under the settlement scheme.

Settled status means you'll remain eligible for:

• public services, such as healthcare and schools
• public funds and pensions
• British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements

The EU settlement scheme helps eligible people settle in the UK after Brexit.

Apply for settled status

Who can apply?

Citizens of:

• European Union (EU)
• Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland

A partnership pack is available for community leaders to promote the settlement scheme.

Online guidance is provided at GOV.UK.

Irish citizens don’t need to apply under the settlement scheme. The government has published guidance on rights of Irish citizens under the common travel area, which are not dependent on UK’s future relationship with the EU.

The government has reached agreements on the rights of citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein allowing them to use the settlement scheme. These agreements are subject to ratification.

This policy paper includes a statement on EFTA citizens’ rights in the event of no deal.

The government has also produced the following videos:

• the ways an applicant can prove their identity
• Using the EU Exit ID Document Check app - be aware that the process has started with a deadline of 30 June 2021
• EU settlement scheme: how to apply

Telephone guidance is available from the EU settlement resolution centre (0300 123 7379).

If you need help applying for settled status please visit GOV.UK: get help applying to the EU settlement scheme.

You have to apply by 30 June 2021.

Get ready for Brexit - GOV.UK

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, there are new rules for businesses that came into place on 1 January 2021.

If you run a business in Luton - and employ a number of people from EU countries or import and export goods and supplies - you may have additional things you'll need to do depending on what kind of business you run. Make sure you take action to avoid any potential disruption to your business.

The best place to get information on the new rules is  GOV.UK/transition where you will find useful advice and support and can register to receive the latest news and updates,

The Brexit checker tool helps you get personalised results. You'll be asked a number of questions intended to highlight the specific actions you might need to take, depending upon your circumstances.

Areas to consider

As well as the actions all travellers need to take, there are extra actions if you’re travelling to the EU for business.

Business travel includes activities such as travelling for meetings and conferences, providing services (even with a charity), and touring art or music.

See: visit Europe from 1 January 2021

Businesses that employ staff from the EU

Freedom of movement between the UK and EU has now ended and the UK has implemented a points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally.

Anyone you want to hire from outside the UK, excluding Irish citizens, will need to apply for permission in advance.

See: an introduction for employers

Get your EU professional qualification recognised in the UK

You’ll need to have your professional qualification officially recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in the UK.

It will need to be recognised by the appropriate regulator for your profession and you’ll need to do this even if you’re providing temporary or occasional professional services.

See: get your EU professional qualification recognised in the UK

Use this tool to find out what to do and when.

See: continue to live in the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

A helpline for traders and hauliers exporting to and importing from the EU is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. The number to call is 0300 3301 331.

The council’s Economic Development team is on hand to support and signpost you to information, advice and guidance for your business: [email protected].

SEMLEP: there's also useful information available from the SEMLEP Growth Hub.

They can be contacted on 0300 01234 35 or through the SEMLEP website.

Also see:

• Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
• British Chambers of Commerce
• Federation of Small Businesses

More EU exit support for businesses: SEMLEP has announced a new programme of EU exit support webinars in partnership with Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

• Get ready for business webpage.
• Subscribe to get updated information if anything changes, including if a deal is agreed. Sign up for email alerts to get the latest information.
• Regulations and standards after Brexit.
• Businesses will need a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to continue to trade with the EU. Get an EORI number.
• Get your business ready to export from the UK to the EU after Brexit.
• Structuring your business.
• There will be changes on how business send and receive personal data from international partners, including in the EEA. See using personal data after Brexit.
• For information on employing EU citizens and requiring to conduct the same right to work as now, see employing EU, EEA and Swiss citizens after Brexit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens should apply to continue to work in the UK under the EU settlement scheme.
• Companies who hold intellectual property, relating to copyright, patents, designs and trademarks, may be affected. See IP and Brexit, the facts