How would a Brexit affect employment and immigration law for companies?

This June could see a shift in the legislation that firms have to adhere to, but at the moment it is only hypothetical.

Some are trying to get ahead before any possible alterations. Speaking to Executive Grapevine, Jonathan Beech, Managing Director of Migrate UK, discussed the rise of companies applying for permanent residency on behalf of their employees.

“Migrate UK is already seeing a surge in European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who have been working in the UK for over five years, applying for permanent residency and then British nationality,” he said, “We believe that news of a referendum and talk of a Brexit is the cause behind this rise in applications, as employers as well as individual workers want to cement their status in the UK prior to any more changes that could come with an exit.

“Prior to November 2015, EEA citizens could apply for British nationality without showing they had a permanent residency card, but since last November, the rules have changed and the extra permanent residency process has to now take place prior to a British nationality application.”