As many families try to work out how to organise childcare in the new lockdown period, with the complication of working from home and maintaining support bubbles, finding a nanny has become a priority for many.
As many nanny candidates come from Europe, The Elite Nanny Company has been looking into what is, and isn’t, going to happen in the post-Brexit world.
First, it’s important to recognise that while there are new requirements to work in the UK, the underpinning relationship and working conditions established between the EU and the UK remain in place. This means that standard conditions for working hours, payment and shared living arrangements are still in place.
EU nannies in the UK
A nanny will now need to apply to stay in the UK if she’s from a country in the EU, European Economic Area (EEA = EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland.
Those already in the UK can apply for ‘pre-settled status’ or ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme. Obtaining either settled or pre-settled status means she can:
- stay in the UK
- work and study here
- be treated on the NHS
- claim benefits
- rent a home
Whilst it’s true that a nanny who arrived here from the EU prior to 31 December can stay until June 30 without being subject to the new restrictions, it’s important to apply for pre-settled status as soon as possible to avoid delays in obtaining the status.
Post Brexit and up to 1 October 2021, citizens of EEA countries can still enter the UK by showing a valid national ID card, without an additional visa. But after 1 October 2021, it’s required to have a passport for travel into the UK – national ID cards from EEA countries will no longer be valid for crossing the border.
Under this new scheme, there’s a points based system that all visa applicants will need 70 points to achieve. The points are awarded for: nature of job, job at appropriate skill level, ability to speak English, educational attainment and salary. While the apparent salary requirement is a minimum of £25,600, people earning as little as £22,000 may still obtain a visa, but they require a significant number of points in other areas to compensate for the low salary.
It is essential that any EU nannies, governesses & housekeepers ensure they have the right to continue to work in the UK. With so many fantastic candidates from all over Europe on our books we at The Elite Nanny Company want to be able to continue to work with you.