Brexit

The United Kingdom ended its transition period with the European Union on 31 December 2020, entering a new relationship from 1 January 2021. We appreciate local people and businesses may be impacted by changes or face uncertainty from this new relationship.

East Renfrewshire is home to many residents from European countries that make a valued and important contribution to our area.

We hope that you feel that East Renfrewshire is a safe and welcoming environment for all, and appreciate you'll want to know as much as possible during this uncertain time. 

EU citizens staying in the UK - your rights

The Scottish Government have commissioned JustRight Scotland to develop fact sheets about your rights to live, work, study and access healthcare, benefits and housing in Scotland.

View the fact sheets (opens new window) .

EU citizens staying in the UK - EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme was open for nationals from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to apply to protect their rights to stay in the UK.

The deadline for most people to apply for pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021.

The Home Office have outlined some circumstances where you might still be able to apply. These include the following situations:

• you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and you need to make a late application
• your family member has pre-settled or settled status and you want to join them in the UK
• you have a valid biometric residence permit or visa

Applications are made online and are free. More information, including further information on circumstances where you can still apply are on the GOV.UK website.

Find out more about the EU settlement scheme on the GOV.UK website (opens new window) .

EU settlement scheme support

We Are Digital

We Are Digital are offering phone support from advisers. You may have to book a phone appointment with them.

We Are Digital can be contacted by phoning 03333 445 675 or by emailing info@we-are-digital.co.uk. They're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Citizens Advice Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland can provide impartial online advice, as well as a specialist helpline service.

Visit the Citizens Advice Scotland website (opens new window) .

Office of the Immigrations Service Commissioner

The Office of the Immigrations Service Commissioner (OISC) also have a search function that will help you find a local immigration adviser.

Visit the OISC website (opens new window) .

Home Office

If you need support in applying for settled status, the Home Office have an online postcode search for local assistance, and a list of national organisations that may be able to offer help and support.  

Visit the Home Office website (opens new window) .

Immigration Solicitors

You may prefer the advice of a private solicitor, specialising in immigration. The Law Society Scotland's LawScot website allows you to search for 'immigration and asylum' solicitors by postcode.

Visit the LawScot website (opens new window)

Advice for businesses

Scotland's enterprise and skills agencies have developed a Operate after Brexit website that offers a wide range of information and advice for businesses adapting to the new operating environment following our exit from the European Union. It offers a self-assessment, events, resources and access to support such as grants.

Additionally, the UK Government website have produced guidance, podcasts and webinars to help guide businesses in preparing for EU Exit.

We offer a wide range of support for businesses. As laws, regulations and standards evolve for the trade of goods, as a result of EU Exit, our Trading Standards and Environmental Health services will play a crucial role. These services provide a wealth of information and support to businesses generally.

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What we're doing

Our senior officers meet on a regular basis to analyse all risks associated with an EU exit to ensure we're as prepared as possible for outcomes that may arise.

Part of this process has included developing an EU exit risk register that identifies the risks we face and the steps we've taken to minimise its impact.

We also regularly meet with our partners, to ensure a joined up approach and to share key information.