Brexit round-up – 16/10/20
16th October, 2020
Welcome to this, our latest Brexit round-up. Each week we provide a succinct round-up of the latest news surrounding the Brexit process, so you can keep abreast of the issues which are likely to affect your organisation.
EU to reject deal for exports of electric cars
The European Union (EU) is about to formally reject a UK plea for special allowances for exports of electric cars in a post-Brexit trade deal. The UK proposal was that in the case of electric and hybrid cars, only a minority of parts would at first need to be either from the UK or the EU in order to get zero tariffs on exports. However, the EU is expected to reject this and will only allow zero tariffs if a majority of the parts’ value is from the two areas. If no deal is agreed then tariffs of 10% will apply from January. Prof David Bailey, automotive specialist at the Birmingham Business School and UK in a Changing Europe, said “This will catch out some UK based car assemblers, particularly as the industry electrifies. The car industry is going through fundamental change, the EU see a threat from China, Korea and Japan, and is trying to build an electric vehicle supply chain in Europe.”
For more information please click here.
Government secures freight routes
The Government has signed agreements with ferry operators Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O and Stena, worth £77.6 million, to provide critical freight routes when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the transition period. There will be 9 routes serving 8 ports in Felixstowe, Harwich, Hull, Newhaven, Poole, Portsmouth, Teesport and Tilbury which will mitigate the risk of disruption and ensure that vital medical supplies and other critical goods can continue to be delivered to the UK. The contracts will initially run for up to six months. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said “As the transition period comes to an end, we’re putting the necessary measures in place to safeguard the smooth and successful flow of freight. Securing these contracts ensures that irrespective of the outcome of the negotiations, lifesaving medical supplies and other critical goods can continue to enter the UK from the moment we leave the EU.”
For more information please click here.
If you have any questions about any of the issues which are raised, or would like to discuss your own organisation’s options during the Brexit process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Webinar: Employing EU nationals post Brexit
An internationally diverse workforce is the norm in many sectors, as easy access to non-UK nationals has enriched the talent pool. Freedom of movement within the EU has increased competitiveness, and sharpened everyone’s focus, employers’ and employees’ alike. But will this change next year, and what do businesses need to consider when recruiting and building the best workforce in the future?
At this Zoom webinar on 21st October at 12pm, immigration specialist Flora Mewies will enlighten us about the post Brexit landscape – click here for more information and to register.
If you have any questions about any of the issues which are raised, or would like to discuss your own organisation’s options during the Brexit process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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