Britons lack awareness of their Withdrawal Agreement rights in France, claims survey
Less than 60% of respondents to the British in Europe survey were familiar with pension entitlements
Half of British respondents who are workers did not know that the Withdrawal Agreement entitles them to equal treatment with French and EU nationals and non-discrimination at work
BACO
Britons and their close non-EU national family members are insufficiently aware of their Brexit Withdrawal Agreement rights, in areas including pensions, social benefits and rights to bring over family, a report states.
The group British in Europe (BiE) has presented results of a survey it ran last year relating to WA rights in which several Connexion readers and team took part (see tinyurl.com/bie-surv) and for which residents in France were the largest contributors.
They show the vast majority of respondents in countries such as France, where it was necessary to apply for a card to secure WA rights, did this and have received cards.
A minority had not, raising questions as to how they will prove rights to services or avoid registration in the new EES digital borders system for non-EU national visitors.
However, BiE said “updated and targeted information campaigns are needed to ensure WA beneficiaries are more fully appraised of their rights to family reunification, access to pensions, child benefit and social security, and equal treatment in the workplace and in access to housing and other services".
The group also noted that “2025 and 2026 are crucial years for upgrading to permanent residence” (see left) and “it is incumbent on [EU] member state authorities and the UK government to ensure comprehensive information on how to do this is widely available”.
The aim of the WA was that, with exceptions such as voting, Britons living in EU countries before Brexit should continue to live their lives as before.
However, half of respondents who are workers did not know the WA entitles them to equal treatment with French and EU nationals and non-discrimination at work and only 33% were aware the WA entitles them to the same housing benefits or the same social and tax advantages.
Among the self-employed, fewer than half knew about these rights or equal rights to run a business, obtain help from employment offices, or benefit from union membership or collective agreements.
Overall, less than 60% of respondents were familiar with pension rights [including ‘aggregation’ rules relating to combining pensions from different EU countries and the UK] and half did not know about their rights to social benefits, including child benefit.
About 25% of respondents with elderly dependent parents did not know the WA allows them to bring them to live with them.
BiE said this shows more support is needed to make sure WA beneficiaries know their rights to pensions and other benefits.
How aware are you of your WA rights? If there is a point that you would like us to clarify, let us know at feedback@connexionfrance.com
