Are you prepared for Brexit?
21st October 2019
The UK Government has launched a Get Ready for Brexit campaign for businesses to help them prepare for possible no-deal scenario. At present, it looks likely that the UK will leave the EU on 31st October, though the Government have asked for a further extension to the talks.
There are a few things that you can do to help the transition go smoothly for you and your staff. The UK Government has set up a dedicated website (click here) where you can fill in questionnaires which will then give you tailored guidance.
It is important to remember that Britain will continue to provide a world-class experience for the millions of visitors that travel here every year. The UK Government has confirmed flights will continue to run smoothly after the UK leaves on the EU on 31st whatever the circumstances. This ensures that UK airlines can continue to operate to Europe providing industry and holiday makers with the certainty they need and ensure flights will continue after Brexit.
Do you have EU nationals working in your business?
In the event of a no-deal, the UK Government and the EU have agreed to protect the jobs and interests of EU nationals who are living and working in the UK. If you have any staff that are EU nationals, encourage them to sign up to the EU Settlement Scheme. Further advice can be found here.
EU nationals will be able to continue to travel to and from the UK using ID cards, these will be phased out during 2020. It is recommended that visitors who are citizens of current EU Member States and who have a valid passport use the e-gates to make entry quick and easy. Visitors who are citizens of current EU Member States will continue to be able to travel without a visa and this will continue to be the case even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
What about data protection?
Currently, there are no plans to make immediate changes in the UK’s own data protection standards, however, businesses will need to make changes if they operate across the EEA and or exchanges personal data with partners in the EEA. If your organisation receives personal data from the EU/EEA, you should review your contracts and where absent, including Standard Contractual Clauses or other Alternative Transfer Mechanisms to ensure that you can continue to legally receive personal data from the EU.
What about VAT?
It is likely that there will be changes when it comes to VAT for businesses. The UK Government has published a guide on how VAT is likely to be impacted in the case of a no deal Brexit. Click here to find out more.
For a complete guide on how to best prepare for Brexit, click here to visit the UK Government’s website.