The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has posed 20 "critical" questions to the government that businesses need answering should the UK leave the European Union without a deal on March 29.

BCC ask about movement of skilled staff and trade deals

The questions to four government departments include whether - and how - firms will be able to move skilled staff between the UK and EU, and what regulations they will need to follow. The BCC also wants to know what trade deals will be in place globally, come Brexit day."Many of the unanswered questions reflect fundamental aspects of how companies operate. For instance, the terms of trade agreements can affect pricing decisions, margins, even choice of business location and the geography of supply chains," said the BCC."The absence of clarity and precision has already stifled investment and growth, and is resulting in unnecessary costs, inability to plan and, increasingly, loss of business as customers look elsewhere."

Uncertainty and concern over future arrangements are bad for investment

The BCC said that, while companies understood talks with Brussels were still continuing, there was "huge" concern that the UK was not prepared for all eventualities with government agencies' unable to provide firms with the tools and information they needed.Adam Marshall, director-general of the BCC, said, “In less than 50 days, UK firms could face the biggest change to their terms of trade in over a generation, without the information and clarity they need to navigate their forward course.“There is a very real risk that a lack of clear, actionable information from government will leave firms, their people and their communities hung out to dry.

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Lack of clear actionable information from government leaves businesses planning in the dark

“Even those companies trying their hardest to get ready are still in the dark on important matters from contracts through to customs. Many others, who took the decision to wait for the political process to conclude before acting, would face sudden and costly adjustments if a deal is not reached.“It is little wonder that many firms have been holding back on investment, stockpiling, and even opening offices and moving operations and jobs elsewhere. The imperative remains to avoid a messy and disorderly exit on March 29th, but businesses need answers they can base decisions on, no matter the outcome. The lack of clear, precise answers is now causing real damage to many businesses, and to the wider economy.”Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online DirectorySubscribe to Relocate Extra, our monthly newsletter, to get all of the international assignments and global mobility news.

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