Brexit is here – what could it mean for your workforce?

Daniel Hull discusses what the change means for dental teams.

It may have been out of the headlines for much of 2020, but as the year crawled to a close, Brexit was back.

One of the key areas with regards to its impact on dentistry, is the matter of EU nationals working in practices across the UK – including anyone from dentists and other dental professionals, to receptionists, patient coordinators and cleaners. If you are a practice owner, you may be looking for clarity, whether you are wondering how the new rules could affect recruitment, or if you already have EU nationals employed within your business.

The new rules
Since January 1, 2021, EU nationals no longer have the automatic right to live and work in the UK. The new points-based immigration system means anyone wishing to work here must now reach at least 70 points in order apply for skilled work.

How does an applicant accumulate 70 points? They need to show that: they can speak English at the required level (10 points); they have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor (20 points); the offer is at the required skill level (20 points) and that they will be paid either £25,600 p.a., or the “going rate” for that offer – whichever is higher (20 points).