Changes in England since the COVID-19 pandemic?
This article offers a better understanding of the shifts you should anticipate when considering a move to England post-COVID-19 crisis. We delve into various aspects, such as visa changes, alterations in the labour market landscape, the evolving healthcare system, housing market dynamics, and more. As the world adjusts to a new normal post-pandemic, we explore people's thoughts and expectations when making this significant transition.
Whether you're a prospective expat or simply curious about the evolving situation in England, this article will provide valuable insights into the post-pandemic landscape and what to expect as you plan your future in this dynamic country.
What are the current regulations for entering England?
Travellers are no longer required to take any COVID-19 tests, quarantined or fill out a passenger locator form upon arrival. This applies to both those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. The only thing travellers need to keep in mind when entering England is customs. You can read more about this via our Expat article: Customs in the UK.
Have there been visa changes in the UK recently?
The most important point to note is around free movement with the European Union that ended at the end of 2020.
Travellers coming from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, along with their families, have the opportunity to seek protection under the EU Settlement Scheme for extended residency in the UK. While the application deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme generally closed on June 30, 2021, there are exceptions. If you hold pre-settled status and seek to upgrade to settled status, this deadline does not apply to your application.
Professionals are still welcomed in England through the points-based system, which offers a skilled worker route with an approved employer sponsor. The job must meet the RQF3 skill level (equivalent to A level), English proficiency is required, and you should earn either the general threshold of £26,200 or the job's going rate, whichever is higher.
You can read more about the different professional visas in the UK through this article.
Is it easy to find work in England following the crisis?
The onset of the pandemic and the first lockdown had a profound impact on the labor market. Employment levels plummeted, unemployment and economic inactivity surged. Redundancies also hit record highs, and working hours in the UK hit their lowest point since 1994. However, despite these challenges, the country was able to get back on track slowly, and the employment rate stands at 75% in 2023. According to Statista, the top three sectors with the highest vacancies are health & social work, accommodation & food services, and scientific & technical. The Expat article on working in the UK will provide more information on the subject.
How has the British healthcare system performed in light of the crisis?
Taking into account the drop in the number of COVID-19 cases, it would be wise to say that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) performed relatively well during the crisis. Today, virtual consultations are also part of the new norm, whether to contact your GP, order repeat prescriptions, manage long-term health conditions, enquire about dental treatment, or maintain your physical and mental well-being. This had been broadly accepted by the population as going to the hospital is currently recommended in case of serious emergency or illness. Due to the medical sector staff shortage, you should expect longer waiting lists, deprioritisation of non-urgent procedures, and find it harder to get routine appointments after the COVID-19 crisis.
Has anything changed regarding universities and schools?
Schools and universities have returned to normal, with classes taking place in person. While distance learning has also been adopted by a few, as in many countries, many universities in the UK focus on offering in-person teaching and sports and other activities. It has been observed that a drop in EU enrollments and the rise in non-EU international enrollments may be linked to the end of EU student home fee eligibility and the introduction of the Graduate route visa scheme.
How is the real estate market in the UK following the crisis?
The year 2020 already started with uncertainty for the UK property market following Brexit, so it's clear that the COVID-19 crisis also had an additional impact.
Persistently high inflation and its current impact on the mortgage market contribute to forecasts of declining house prices this year. Statistical data indicates a decrease in house prices, which is expected to persist throughout 2023. Several factors are driving this decline, including the rise in interest rates since late 2021, resulting in more expensive mortgages and dampening demand in the housing market. Recent data from Nationwide reveals a 3.8% drop in average UK house prices between July 2022 and July 2023. As a result, if you are contemplating a property purchase, taking action now might enable you to negotiate a more favorable price in the current market climate.
Has the cost of living changed because of the crisis in England?
The UK experienced a substantial rise in the cost of living from 2021 to 2022. In October 2022, annual inflation reached an unprecedented 11.1% and eased to 6.7% in August 2023. This high inflation directly impacts households' ability to afford goods and services; about two-thirds of adults have curtailed spending on non-essentials due to rising living costs. Increased food and energy prices, particularly gas, partly attributed to the Ukraine conflict, drove this inflation spike, initially stemming from global factors. Other factors include strong consumer goods demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and surging energy costs linked partly to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. To help you out with your grocery shopping, check out this price comparison online tool.
How about the lifestyle in England? Have there been significant changes in habits following the sanitary crisis?
People are no longer required to wear face masks when in public. However, you may still opt to do so, especially in crowded places and when using public transportation. Travelling abroad has not reached pre-pandemic levels despite UK residents accounting for 7.2 million overseas visits in October 2022. Regarding professional lifestyle, most people now opt for a hybrid working style to maintain a work–life balance and resume social interactions at work.
