In recent days, the Government has published the first batch in a new series of important notices geared towards helping businesses to better understand the potential implications of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.
The news comes at a time when Trade Secretary Liam Fox is warning that the possibility of a no-deal scenario is beginning to look increasingly likely.
According to reports, the Government intends to publish a total of 25 no-deal Brexit technical notices which will advise both businesses and individuals on the preparations they ought to consider in the event of the UK and the European Union (EU) failing to reach an agreement.
Each document will focus on a variety of different areas and concerns, ranging from imports and exports to workplace rights, farming and medicine.
The first batch of notices, which have been distributed in recent days, have been largely welcomed by business groups such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
The group’s Deputy Director General, Josh Hardie, said: “It’s right and responsible that the Government has supplied information to businesses on issues from financial services passporting to food labelling, all of which will help lower the risks of the harshest outcomes from a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.”
However, not all business bodies have been so impressed, with others suggesting that the Government’s advice comes too little, too late.
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “No-deal preparations should have happened far earlier, and the onus is on the Government to move quickly and give businesses as much detailed, technical information as possible to avoid significant disruption in any scenario.”