Understanding and fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of A8 nationals Gerard Lemos Lemos&Crane

Overview Accession Eight countries joined the EU on 1 st May 2004 Only Ireland, Sweden and the UK did not prevent access to domestic labour markets Most newcomers are from Poland (62%), Lithuania (12%) and Slovakia (11%) UK’s right to restrict access to the labour market ends in 2011

Working in the UK Can work freely: –those working for a non-UK employer –self-employed workers –A8 nationals who are also citizens (or family relations of a citizen) of another EEA16 state Other workers must register with the Home Office Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) –Grants full rights and entitlements after working legally in the UK for “12 months without interruption”

Means-tested benefits (MTBs) MTBs : housing benefit, council tax benefit, income support, income-based job-seekers’ allowance and pension credit Eligible : –workers who have completed 12 months work –workers registered with the WRS –self-employed –students Ineligible : –workers not registered with the WRS –those out of work for more than 30 days –retired people

Job-seekers’ allowance Income-based element is means-tested Contribution-based element may be available from home country for up to 3 months if: –Claimant completed form E303 before leaving home country –Claimant normally received unemployment benefit before coming to the UK –Claimant was registered as available for work for at least four weeks

Other benefits and entitlements Statutory maternity pay, statutory sick pay and working tax credit: no special rules Incapacity benefit: may be available if claimant is under 25 and has been sick for 6 months in the UK Child tax credit: may be available if the child is “normally living” with the claimant Child benefit: may be available if the child is in full-time education in the EU Accident and emergency services: free to all Other healthcare services: free to those in the UK lawfully (i.e. registered with WRS if necessary)

Values and principles of effective organisational responses Working with difference – dealing with conflict and overcoming language barriers Knowing the law – ensuring staff are confident and informed Being innovative – flexibility and regular review of services Working in partnership – support agencies, local authority, police, GPs and PCTS, local groups Influencing policy – good record keeping and reporting

Needs, assessment and agreement Minimising bureaucracy – clear and concise guidance Asking the right questions – to find out about work, legal status, benefits, etc Saying ‘no’ – signposting to most appropriate services Presenting other options – through faith and community groups, media and Internet, embassies and consulates

How organisations can help in finding work for A8 nationals Qualifications – translate previous qualifications so that they are recognised in the UK Searching for jobs – getting round unfamiliar process of looking for and applying for work Training – English language skills Applying for work – resources such as telephones, CVS and letter writing Banking – start-up fees for bank accounts and access to basic bank accounts

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