Worker Registration Scheme (WRS)

Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia have the right to live in the UK if they are working or can support themselves without the help of public funds.  However, it is normally necessary to register under the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) to work for an employer for more than a month.  Those who are self-employed in the UK do not need to register.  Nor do those who have worked legally in the UK for 12 months or more without a break.

It is necessary to register within one month of commencing work in the UK or the employment becomes unlawful.  It is also necessary to register any change of employment.  For more details on this process, see here.  After 12 months of working under the WRS workers are exempt from further registration and free to change employer.

The worker is responsible for making the WRS application with support from the employer.   However, employers must ensure they are authorised to employ the worker and are at risk of a fine of up to £5,000 if they continue to employ someone after one month who does not apply under the WRS or they do not keep a copy of the worker’s application form.   For more information see here.