LONDON (UK) – The UK is urging businesses and individuals to brace for the Dec. 31 end of the Brexit transition period by coming out with a campaign titled: “The UK’s new start: let’s get going.”
The UK left the EU on Jan. 31. This came three and a half years after a plebiscite. However, the transition period has put on hold any major change in the relationship.
Britain and the EU have been holding talks to agree on a trade pact ahead of the period that expires at the end of the year.
Despite progress made in talks, there are still divisions, said Cabinet Minister Michael Gove on Sunday.
“At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and Customs Union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU,” he said. “This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare.”
According to the government, the campaign will be launched on Monday and there will be advertisements on TV, radio, signboards as well as on the internet.
The Institute of Directors’ survey revealed that only a quarter of companies were fully prepared for the end of the transition period.
Almost half of the 978 company directors said they were not able to prepare right now and one in seven were concerned about the pandemic. A third said they needed details of the changes.
“With so much going on, many directors feel that preparing for Brexit proper is like trying to hit a moving target,” said IoD Director General Jonathan Geldart. “Jumping immediately into whatever comes next would be a nightmare for many businesses.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
