Work from home? Nah, we’re working from holiday
*that’sworkfromholiday
Working hard, or hardly working? How to jet off and still hit those deadlines...
Loads of us have been working from home for more than six months now, and let’s be honest, we could all do with a change of scenery from the sofa, right? But, listen up: you could be living the dream – working remotely from a sun lounger, topping up your tan and simultaneously nailing your to-do list, with a cocktail in hand as soon as it’s time to clock off. Before you start booking your flights and packing your sunnies, here’s everything you need to know about hot desking on holiday. Should you want to indulge in a pasta in Italy at lunchtime or explore the Greek ruins after work, you won’t need to get yourself a visa – yet! Kate Palmer, associate director of HR Advisory says, “Currently, UK citizens have the right to work anywhere in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. However, as free movement of persons between the UK and the EU is to end on 31 December, subject to any further deals, this is likely to change. Employers will need to be aware of any new visa requirements coming into force within the countries in question, and if this will impact on staff basing themselves there to work.” Although, if you’re looking for something a little hotter, Rihanna’s home country of Barbados is offering remote workers a one-year visa costing £1,500. From office to beach…
TRICKY TAXES
Working abroad isn’t quite the same as sneaking off to your local coffee shop without telling your boss, so best forget about booking flights on the down-low. It can be pretty tricky tax-wise for companies, so you’ll need to let your boss know your plans. The country you plan on staying in could argue that your company is setting up a new office and that they need to pay tax, so get the green light from the powers that be first.
MO’ MONEY, MO’ PROBLEMS
If your salary is still being paid in the UK, you might be charged to access that money. And, of course, banks can add around three per cent to withdraw cash, so check that the exchange rate is in your favour. Kate advises, “Provided they adhere to the rules on the
minimum wage, employers are free to set rates of pay as they choose to. To this end, many may wish to take into account the costs of working from abroad and therefore seek to increase employee pay to reflect this, but there would be no legal requirement to do so. This would represent a change to the contracts of the individual in question and should be discussed with them first.” Thanks to the trusty NHS, we have free healthcare, but you’ll need to consider this if you’re thinking of disappearing for a year to another country. Make sure you purchase yourself travel insurance and for countries in the EU, you’ll need to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card at Ehic.org.uk – but this isn’t a replacement for travel insurance so make sure you have both so you’re covered. The card also won’t be valid for most UK citizens after 31 December.
A-LIST OFFICES
Set yourself up on the Caribbean island Anguilla, where the likes of Beyoncé and Harry Styles have vacayed. Swap grey UK skies for year-long sunshine and white sandy beaches, with visitors being able to live and work on the island for up to 12 months. You’ll need to apply online for a digital work permit with fees ranging from £749 for individuals, but you can even bring your family along – and pack us in your suitcase, too. For more information and to apply for the digital work permit, visit Ivisitanguilla.com.