The Social Security (Switzerland) (Further provision in respect of Scotland) Order 2021

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes provision for the modification of social security legislation, so far as it relates to devolved matters, so as to give effect to the Convention on Social Security Coordination between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Swiss Confederation, signed at London on 9 September 2021 (“the Convention”). It does so by applying the modification provided for by article 2 of the Social Security (Switzerland) Order 2021 (“the 2021 Order”), where the legislation being modified in the 2021 Order relates to a matter which falls within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, and in relation to which competence for the exercise of functions has transferred to the Scottish Ministers. The provisions of the Convention to which article 2 of the 2021 Order applies are set out in the schedule of the 2021 Order.

This Order also varies the Family Allowances, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Switzerland) Order 1969 (“the 1969 Order”) in accordance with Article 77 of the Convention. It does so by applying the modifications provided for by article 3 of the 2021 Order, where the provisions of the 1969 Order relate to a matter which falls within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, and in relation to which competence for the exercise of functions has transferred to the Scottish Ministers. Article 77 of the Convention is set out in the schedule of the 2021 Order.

This Order has effect from the date on which the Convention is provisionally applied in accordance with Article 73 of the Convention, or, if not provisionally applied, from the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 72. Article 72 provides that the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the third month following the date of receipt of the later of the States’ written notifications that they have complied with all statutory and constitutional requirements for entry into force of the Convention. Article 73 provides that, pending entry into force of the Convention, the States may agree to provisionally apply the Convention by an exchange of notes through diplomatic channels. Provisional application of the Convention shall take effect on the day following the later of the States’ notes. Articles 72 and 73 of the Convention are set out in the schedule of the 2021 Order.

This Order does not impose any costs on business, charities or the voluntary sector. Accordingly, no Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared.