Ministers in warning over rules change

BUSINESS leaders are being warned by the Government that time is running out to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

UK firms are being told “not to get caught out” by new rules that will come into force at the end of the transition period at the end of 2020.

The publicity campaign, called Time is Running Out, has launched following a collapse in talks between Britain and the EU over a deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Michael Gove said they would discuss preparations with UK businesses, while HMRC is writing to 200,000 companies to set out the new customs and tax rules coming into force.

Mr Johnson has said the country must prepare to leave the EU on no-deal terms.

Mr Gove (above) said: “At the end of this year we are leaving the EU single market and customs union and this means there are both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses.

“Make no mistake, there are changes coming in just 75 days and time is running out for businesses to act.

“It is on all of us to put in the work now so that we can embrace the new opportunities available to an independent trading nation with control of its own borders, territorial waters and laws.”

The Government’s campaign tells businesses:

If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures;

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 for a new immigration system. From January 1, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including from the EU, you must be a Home Office licensed 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 your qualifications are recognised by EU regulations to be able to practise or service clients in the EU.