On 13 July, the U.K. government released further details about the U.K.’s future immigration system, which will apply to EU and non-EU nationals from January 2021. Under normal circumstances, such a significant change would be top of mind for companies operating in the U.K., but it has slipped off the business world’s radar as leaders grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges.

But the immigration system in the U.K is going to change, regardless of how prepared the business world is for the new system. The U.K. government has made clear that it is still committed to roll out this new system first thing next year.

This new system has been created to reflect more flexibility for employers while also ensuring EU and non-EU nationals are treated equally. The 130-page document doesn’t contain a lot more detail than the proposals released earlier in the year, but there a number of details to be aware of.

In this podcast, Faegre Drinker’s Hodon Anastasi takes a look at the new framework and considers the details employers need to familiarise themselves with, including:

• End of free movement for EU nationals. What does this mean for employers with EU-national employees? What about for EU nationals currently living in the U.K.?

• Changes to skilled worker migration. What changes to skilled worker migration will impact companies looking to recruit foreign migrants using this route?

• Practical preparatory steps for employers. What can employers do now to prepare to comply and adapt to a new immigration system?