Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government is taking to work with (a) employers and (b) landlords to ensure that people who (i) applied for the EU Settlement Scheme before the June 2021 deadline and (ii) do not receive a decision until after that deadline has passed have their rights and entitlements upheld while that application is pending.

Consistent with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, the rights of an individual who has made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before 30 June 2021, will have their rights protected and can continue to live their life in the UK.

EEA citizens who submit a valid EUSS application by 30 June will be issued with a Certificate of Application. Pending the outcome of their application, they can rely on this to demonstrate their eligibility for work and rent, when it is verified by the Home Office employer and landlord checking services.

Guidance for employers and landlords was published on GOV.UK on 18 June which sets outs the steps they should take when carrying out right to work or right to rent checks from 1 July. We have a comprehensive and ongoing programme of engagement with businesses of all sizes, across the UK, to ensure they fully understand their obligations as employers and landlords of EEA citizens.

The Home Office also has established an employer and landlord helpline. This service is equipped to provide advice on compliance with right to work and rent checks.