UK Exit from the EU

Latest updates:

The UK left the EU on 31st January 2020 and are currently in a transition period until December 31st 2020. Any EU citizens already living in the UK will be able to prove their right to work and live in the UK via the EU Settlement Scheme, up until 30 June 2021. If you have yet to apply for EU Settled Status, the scheme conditions remain unchanged. Details on how to apply for the scheme can be found below:

The EU Settlement Scheme is intended for EU citizens and families. This is to apply for either settled or pre-settled status to ensure residence in the UK after 30th June 2021. For NHSBT colleagues from the EU wishing to apply, we have published further information below to support you with this process.


The scheme is currently open, is free of charge, and you can apply now on the Gov.uk website. For guidance on how to apply, links are available below:

HR Direct are available to support you through the application process should you require. Support can be requested by contacting HR Direct.

Step by step guidance is provided below to assist our EU colleagues in applying for settled or pre-settled status. NHSBT would strongly encourage all EU colleagues to apply and seek the reassurance that this will provide.

Key points of the scheme are:

  • Any EU citizen wishing to continue to live in the UK after 30thJune 2021 will need to apply to have a settled or pre-settled status. (Definitions of the various statuses can be found on the settlement scheme page)
  • The deadline for applying will be the 30thof June 2021. If the UK leaves the EU with a ‘No Deal’, the deadline will be changed to 31st December 2020.
  • Currently the scheme can only handle digital applications.
  • You will need an android phone to download the EU Exit App on the Google Play Store. This is to enable you to submit your ID documents as part of the application process. (The app is expected to be available on the Apple Store before the end of 2019). If you are unable to use the app, you can submit your document(s) by post or in person. Details of how you can do this is found in the application. However, you can use a family member/friend’s device for the verifying your identity step. There are no security risks in doing this as your data is not stored on the device.
  • It is free to apply to the scheme. If you have previously applied and paid for the scheme, you will be refunded automatically, as detailed on the Gov.uk website.
  • After applying for the scheme, and if your application is successful, you will be granted either settled or pre-settled status and will receive proof of your status through an online service. You will need to keep a record of this as you may be asked at a later date to show proof of your status.
  • If you are unsuccessful in your application you can appeal the decision, and re-apply if required (fees may apply).

The best source of information is via the GOV.uk website. Here you will find all of the information that you need.