Since the EU Referendum took place in the UK in June 2016, there has been a level of uncertainty surrounding Brexit and how it would evidently affect our valued EU doctors. To ensure you feel prepared, we’ve been speaking to some of our EU doctors about how they have been preparing for post-Brexit and how it will affect them and the locum work they do for the NHS.

Why did you need to apply for the pre-settlement scheme?

I’m a locum doctor for the NHS but I live in Greece, so I regularly travel to the UK to practice. Ahead of the UK leaving the EU, I wanted to make sure I would still have the right to work in the UK and continue my Consulting work.

How will it affect your locum work?

It won’t! Now that I’ve applied through the EU pre-settlement scheme, I’ll be able to continue working in the UK after Brexit, or when the UK officially leaves the EU. With uncertainty around Brexit, I feel more secure knowing I’ve got my pre-settled status already in place.

What did you have to do?

I downloaded the ‘EU Exit’ app onto my phone, then all you need to do is follow the instructions on the app (scanning the photo page of your passport, taking a photo of yourself, etc.) and within days you will gain pre-settled status – it’s so simple.

What documents did you need to provide?

You’ll just need your DBS, NI number and a valid biometric passport from an EU country.

What are your rights with pre-settled status?

You’re able to work in the UK, use the NHS and travel in and out of the UK. You can also spend up to two consecutive years outside the UK without losing your status, which means I can travel back to Europe as often as I like to visit my family whilst still continuing with locum work in the UK.

For full details on applying for pre-settled status and using the EU Exit app, please visit GOV.UK.

Please note, the app is available on Android devices and a beta app is now available for iPhone 7 users and above with iOS 13.2 or newer. You can also apply via post and further details can be found here.

If however you’re uncertain about how to obtain pre-settled status and whether you can continue to practice in the UK and would like some further advice, please speak to one of our recruitment experts on 01277 217777.

Already have your pre-settled status in place? Take a look at our latest locum jobs to find your next role in the UK.