Government launches Brexit Business Task Force

With its first meeting taking place today (Thursday 12 November), the task force will meet every week and into 2021 to discuss the practical steps businesses must take to get ready for the changes and opportunities at the end of the year. It will also act as a vital forum for businesses and senior ministers to discuss potential issues at pace, whilst also making sure that businesses can easily access the right guidance and support.

The task force will bolster the government’s already significant preparations for the end of the transition period, which include investing £705m in jobs, infrastructure and technology at the border, making available £84m in grants to grow the customs intermediary sector, and launching a major public information campaign to ensure businesses and citizens know exactly what they need to do to prepare.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, said:

“Regardless of the outcome of the UK-EU negotiations, in just 50 days we are leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this will bring both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses.

“We recognise that this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are determined to support businesses to be ready for 1 January 2021 and beyond.

“The new Brexit Business Task Force will be an important forum for frequent dialogue and problem solving. It is only by working together that we will be able to seize the opportunities that await us as we regain our political and economic independence.”

The first meeting of the task force will be held virtually on 12 November. There will be a discussion of the particular issues facing the advanced manufacturing sector, with representatives from the auto, aerospace and machinery and parts industries.

Each meeting will have a sector-specific focus and relevant attendees will represent a range of businesses from across the United Kingdom. The five major business representative organisations, the Confederation of British Industry, Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce, Institute of Directors and Make UK, will be invited to attend the task force every week.

Josh Hardie, CBI Acting Director-General, said:

“Establishing the transition task force is a welcome step forward. It will help business and government make the most of the time left by preparing for the changes ahead together.

“Sectors know there will be disruption no matter what the outcome of ongoing talks, so helping firms prepare and mitigate wherever possible is vital.

“As European economies grapple with national restrictions amid the global pandemic, a deal is crucial for recovery. The CBI and its members look forward to working closely with ministers and officials as transition ends and businesses seek to build back better in 2021. There isn’t a moment to lose.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The UK is leaving the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union at the end of the year and there are some definite actions businesses need to take now. These actions are required whether we end up with Australian or Canadian-style trading arrangements:

• If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures. VisitGOV.UK to check duties and customs procedures for exporting your goods worldwide from 1 January 2021.

• If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary.

• If you employ overseas nationals you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system. From 1 January 2021, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including from the EU, you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor.

• If you are a UK business or organisation that receives personal data from contacts in the EEA, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period.

• If you provide services in the EU, you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU.

Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare the UK has also taken the decision to introduce new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021. However, the focus of the government efforts is now firmly on making sure businesses are ready for the changes and opportunities ahead.

Businesses can get a personalised summary of the actions they need to take by using the simple tool on gov.uk/transition.