The Impact of Brexit on the Fashion Industry for EEA Workers
Once the UK officially leaves the EU, this will indubitably mean the end of free movement, which will have a detrimental impact not only on the UK’s overall economy, but also on industries across many sectors. A major high street chain has stated that the Brexit process has already impacted on the Fashion Industry and it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill positions which are already considered to be a shortage occupation and the process of employing EEA Workers post-Brexit is likely to become even more challenging.
The Impact of Brexit on the Fashion Industry
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think-tank has said that the UK Fashion Industry, along with many others, will find it near impossible to recruit non-skilled EEA Workers post-Brexit, despite the number of jobs currently on the Shortage Occupation List, as some Fashion Industry jobs are such as designers and those in buying and purchasing. Although the UK Government is insistent on reducing the UK’s net migration figure to 100,000 and to encourage UK businesses to employ British nationals before considering overseas workers, this has been seen to have an adverse impact on the UK Economy and the UK Fashion Industry as the struggle to fill job vacancies is ever increasing.
The Importance of EEA Workers in the Fashion Industry
Immigration is highly important to the Fashion Industry as it is the fourth largest employer of EU nationals within the ‘creative’ sector, therefore the end of free movement will undoubtedly cause major problems for creative industries in the UK. So far the result of the Brexit vote has not only seen the collapse in the value of the Great British Pound Sterling (GBP) which has pushed up the cost of imported goods, but it has also seen a decrease in EEA Workers coming to the UK for work, which has in turn left businesses in the Fashion Industry struggling to fill vacancies.
A major high street chain has stated that the Brexit process has already had an impact on the Fashion Industry as EEA workers are discouraged from coming to the UK to work as there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding their future in the UK post-Brexit. It is important for EEA Workers who are seeking employment in the UK Fashion Industry to contact our specialist team of immigration lawyers in order to seek advice and assistance on how to regularise their status in the UK before Brexit deals are finalised and the rules relating to EEA Workers change.
EEA Workers applying to the Fashion Industry post-Brexit
Once the UK has left the EU, EEA Workers will have to apply under the Points-Based System of the Immigration Rules, or similar, as non-EEA migrant workers currently do. However this is a far more complex process as the requirements are far more stringent and harder to satisfy. UK businesses in the Fashion Industry hiring foreign migrant workers under Tier 2 of the Points-Based System would have to pay a minimum salary of £30,000 per year to every migrant worker, which has already seen the collapse of many small businesses who have been subject to these new requirements for non-EEA migrant workers.
Further, there is also the recent Immigration Skills Charge which will add further expense to employers recruiting overseas workers in the Fashion Industry as Tier 2 Sponsor employers must pay £1,000 per migrant worker they employ.
Using Legal Representation to Submit EEA Workers Visa Applications in the Fashion Industry
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an EEA Workers Visa application in the Fashion Industry.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your EEA Workers Visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful EEA Workers Visa Applications in the Fashion Industry
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of EEA Workers Visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your LEXVISA Tourist Visitor Visa and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.