Worker Registration Scheme extended to 2011
The restrictions on workers who come to the UK from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia will continue to apply until 30 April 2011, as a result of an extension to the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS)under the Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2009.
EU Member States are allowed, under the 2003 Treaty of Accession, to impose transitional restrictions on the free movement of labour from eight of the new member states (i.e. the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia – referred to in the UK as the A8) for a maximum of seven years from 1 May 2004. These measures could, however, only be maintained for the final two years of this period, i.e. beyond 1 May 2009, if there was a threat to the labour market.
The Government commissioned a report by the Migration Advisory Committee on the situation. This confirmed that the recent significant increase in unemployment and fall in vacancies in the UK amounted to a serious disturbance in the UK labour market and that the WRS should be maintained for a further two years.
The WRS requires relevant workers to register, and they only receive full rights of free movement after 12 months. Employers who employ such workers for more than 30 days without keeping a copy of their registration certificate commit a criminal offence and may be fined up to £5,000.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
