A recent notice produced by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy[i] urges businesses
TO ACT NOW
As the transition period draws to a conclusion, the Business Secretary urges us to act now to avoid business operations being interrupted when the transition period ends.
Key actions:
- New customs procedures will apply from 1 January 2021. Check the new rules on importing and exporting goods between the EU and Great Britain. Different rules will apply in Northern Ireland.
- If you are planning to recruit from overseas from 1 January 2021, you will need to register as a licensed visa sponsor. You may not be able to legally hire people from outside the UK if you do not have a licence. New employees from outside the UK will also need to meet new job, salary and language requirements. Irish citizens and those eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme are not affected.
- Check the latest guidance about moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland. At the end of the transition period, the Northern Ireland Protocol comes into force. There will be special provisions which only apply in Northern Ireland. Check the latest guidance at: GOV.uk/northern-ireland-trade.
- There may be changes to marketing requirements or approvals needed to ensure your business is ready to sell them in the UK and EU. Check GOV.uk to identify changes or you may not be able to sell your goods in the UK and the EU from 1 January 2021.
- Check with your suppliers and customers that they are also taking action.
The Department reminds us that there will be no extension to the transition period and unless businesses take the necessary action, there is a risk our business operations will be interrupted.
The Government are providing webinars at: GOV.uk/transition-webinars and other support tools.
For more information, go to: GOV.uk/action-2021
[i] Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Notice SSL-GEN, November 2020 “Are you ready for new rules for business with the EU?”
