Health bosses across Lincolnshire’s hospitals have agreed to foot the bill for registering EU nationals in their workforce ahead of Brexit.
It comes after the government launched plans to for an EU Settlement Scheme in March this year, but has started a trial system for health and care workers.
With the UK set to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, the scheme means EU citizens can apply to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021.
Officials were encouraged by the Secretary of State to write to their staff to apply for settled status.
Now, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust have confirmed they have agreed to meet the costs of registering EU nationals in their workforce.
ULHT employs 300 EU nationals plus 50 bank staff, and is set to spend an estimated £15,000 to £20,000 to register its workers.
The EU Settlement Scheme will allow nationals who have lived here for five years or more to register for settled status.
Those who have lived in the UK for less than that amount of time can apply for pre-settled status.
Each application will cost £65 for adults and £32.50 per child in order to register.
In a letter to health officials, Health Secretary , Matt Hancock MP, said officials that he “strongly encouraged” them to use the scheme in order to give staff “certainty”.
He said: “There is no obligation for EU nationals to register early.
“However it is an opportunity for many to get this certainty earlier, and I would strongly encourage you to publicise this to your health and care staff who are EU nationals.”
A spokesperson for ULHT said: “At United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust we value every member of staff, including those working with us from the EU.
“We have been actively engaging with our staff from the EU and offering them full support around the arrangements for continuing to work at the trust as they play a very important role in maintaining essential services.”
The Home Office were asked whether or not Hospital Trusts would get money refunded.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Securing the rights of citizens has always been our priority and we have delivered on this commitment.
“The EU Settlement Scheme, which will be fully open by 30 March 2019, will make it easy for EU citizens who want to stay in the UK to get the UK immigration status they need.
“Status under the scheme protects the individual’s rights here, as applicable, in both a deal and no deal scenario.”
