New to the UK > Does having settled status prove your right to work in the UK?

Does having settled status prove your right to work in the UK?

Wollit Team2 minute read · Updated 17th September 2024

If you have settled status in the UK, you might be wondering what it means for your right to work. Since Brexit, the rules about living and working in the UK have changed, and it’s important to understand your rights. Here is what settled status is and how it affects your right to work in the UK.

What is settled status?

Settled status is part of the EU Settlement Scheme. It allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens living in the UK to continue living and working here after Brexit. It's basically another way of saying "British permanent residency".

To get settled status, you must have lived in the UK for at least five continuous years. If you have lived in the UK for less than five years, you can apply for pre-settled status.

Settled status basically lets you live and work in the UK without any restrictions. You also have access to public services like healthcare and education.

The deadline for applications was June 30, 2021, but there are still some options available if you missed it, depending on how serious your “excuse” is.

Does settled status prove my right to work?

Yes, having settled status does prove your right to work in the UK.

If you have settled status, you can use an online service to show your right to work. This involves creating a "share code" that you can give to your employer. You don’t need a visa or any other documents to prove your right to work if you have settled status.

Also, employers must check that their employees have the right to work in the UK before they start working. If you provide them with your share code, they can quickly verify your immigration status.

At the same time, employers cannot treat you unfairly based on your nationality or immigration status – as long as you show them valid proof of your right to work.

What if I have pre-settled status?

If you have pre-settled status, you also have the right to work in the UK. However, remember that pre-settled status is temporary and will expire after five years unless you apply for settled status before it runs out.

Can I change jobs if I have settled status?

Totally. With settled status, you can change jobs whenever you want without needing extra permits or visas. You can start working immediately after receiving your settled status.

What happens if I lose my job?

If you lose your job while holding settled status, you still keep your right to stay in the UK and look for new work. Your settled status does not change unless you leave the country for more than five consecutive years.

Does having settled status help me build my credit score?

No, having settled status is unrelated to your credit score. At least directly. But having settled status (or pre-settled status) does mean that lenders will be more confident in approving your application for credit, which is what helps you build your credit file.

To speed up building your credit file if you’ve recently moved to the UK, consider downloading a specialised credit-building app like Wollit.

Wollit is an app that reports your monthly subscription as loan repayment, helping you build a history of timely repayments without the risk of getting hit with high-interest charges or going over your card limit. It can even report your monthly rent payment to Experian, adding another line in your credit report that shows lenders you're responsible and pay your bills on time.