How to prepare your business for Brexit
The UK has left the EU. There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period. New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.
Make sure your business is prepared before the transition period ends. You need to make sure you are aware what is changing in your industry.
For example:
- Your contracts may need updating to continue to lawfully transfer personal and customer data between the UK and EU
- Check new guidance if you manufacture and trade goods between the UK and EU
- Check, employees practicing and serving clients in the EU may need to have their professional qualifications accredited.
- If you import or export goods from the EU, make sure you register to use transitional simplified procedures (TSP) and make sure you keep up to date with import tariffs.
The Government has published advice on what businesses should do now the UK has left the EU. It has also produced an employer’s toolkit which equips employers with the right tools and information to support EU citizens and their families to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
For further information and guidance please see:
- Get ready for 2020
- Government advice: for businesses and individual citizens
- Business Brexit Checklist
- British Chambers of Commerce
- Federation of Small Businesses
- Citizens Advice Wandsworth
- National Council for Voluntary Organisations
- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Confederation of British Industry
- Institute of Directors
- Food Standards Agency
- Brexit Resource Hub
Public procurement
The Government has published specific guidance on how public procurement will change following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Exporting and importing
Guidance is available that explain how to manage importing and exporting post Brexit. An online tool is available to identify information that is most relevant to your business.
Recruitment
Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, EU citizens can continue to move to the UK to live and work until 31 December 2020. Following this, the government intends to introduce a new skills-based immigration system, and has published its proposals for how this would operate in its Immigration White Paper.
In the event of a no-deal, the Government have announced plans to introduce a new European Temporary Leave to Remain which will cover the period between the UK leaving the EU, and the new skills based immigration system being in place.
Qualifications
The Government has published a guidance on the ongoing recognition of European Economic Area (EEA) professional qualifications.
GDPR and personal data
There are potential impacts on international transfers of personal data, or for data hosted in the EEA. The ICO provides guidance on its website. Transfers of data to the EEA will continue to be permitted.
Education
The Department for Education has set up no-deal preparation pages for schools and further education and apprenticeship providers.
Rights of EU citizens in the UK
Read the information and guidance regarding the rights of EU Citizens in the UK.