The UK is currently due to leave the EU on 31 October 2019. There is currently (as of 16 September) no withdrawal agreement in place (although talks are ongoing) and the likelihood of a ‘no deal’ Brexit is a real possibility. CIHT wants to ensure its members are as prepared as they can be for such an eventuality.
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Below are some details relating to guidance and information sources that we hope are of use.
Get ready for Brexit
The UK Government has launched a website dedicated to preparing individuals and businesses for Brexit. The site consists of a simple quiz to find out what steps you can take now. Advice ranges from checking whether employees have the right to work, to temporary tariffs on importing goods.
Roadshows for business
The UK Government has created several roadshow events for business – these are looking at ‘Business Readiness for Brexit’ and more information can be found below.
https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/brexitbusinessreadinessevents/
No deal guidance from HMRC
The HMRC has published a series of letters to UK businesses that trade with the EU, with details of important actions that they need to take and changes to be aware of in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal. There are also important updates on the way businesses trading with the EU pay import VAT and use EU VAT IT systems if the UK leaves with 'no deal'. HMRC also announced that businesses will be able to use simplified declarations and postpone payment of duties under Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) if there is a 'no deal' Brexit (although there will be additional information needed for controlled goods). The measures will be reviewed after three to six months and businesses will be given 12 months’ notice if they are to be withdrawn.
Information for businesses on data protection
In the event of a 'no deal', UK businesses will need to ensure they continue to be compliant with data protection law. For UK businesses that operate only within the UK there will be no immediate change. For UK businesses that operate internationally or exchange personal data with partners in other countries there may be changes that need to be made ahead of the UK leaving the EU. It is important for businesses to review whether they would be affected. You can find further information on data protection in the context of a 'no deal' in the Government’s Technical Notice.
Status of EU nationals working in the UK
Should the UK leave the EU without a deal, freedom of movement will end with immediate effect on 31st October 2019. Any EU national who entered the UK before the 31st October 2019 will be able to stay, deal or no deal, and should apply for ‘settled status’ (if they have been here for five years) or pre-settled status (fewer than five years) here (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families) by the 31st December 2020. Any EU national entering the UK after ‘Brexit Day’ will be able to stay for three months and will then need to apply for ‘European Temporary Leave to Remain’, which will allow EU nationals to live and work in the UK for three years. After this, they must leave or apply for a new visa under the future immigration system. The Government has published further details here.
Driving in the EU after Brexit
The government has published guidance on driving in the EU in the event of the UK leaving without a deal
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit
Finding Brexit Guidance for your Business
The UK government has provided an online tool to search for various documents that relate to how your business can prepare for Brexit.
https://www.gov.uk/find-eu-exit-guidance-business
Specific information for the construction sector can be found below
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-construction-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
Specific advice for firms based in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
If your firm is based in Wales or Scotland, there are specific Government websites aimed at providing your firm with the latest Brexit-related information and guidance. See here for Wales and see here for Scotland. If your firm is based in Northern Ireland, there is a dedicated page on the Northern Ireland Assembly website that may be of interest.
Wales - https://businesswales.gov.wales/brexit/
Scotland - https://www.prepareforbrexit.scot/
Northern Ireland - http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/research-and-information-service-raise/brexit-and-ni/
If you wish to provide any further information for consideration as a resource, please contact e: communications@ciht.org.uk
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