EEF launches dedicated Brexit hotline to help manufacturers debunk the Government’s technical notices

1 min read

Today EEF launches a dedicated Brexit hotline for businesses to call for expert advice following on from the publication of the first raft technical notices on what they can expect in the event of the UK crashing out of the EU in March next year.

Whilst welcoming the increased clarity for businesses, EEF has urged government to publish the remaining notices as soon as possible so companies can have the full picture of what a no-deal scenario will mean for them.

The decision to allow importers to defer VAT payments is very gratefully received and is something EEF has been campaigning hard for with government in order to protect the 145,000 businesses in the UK which are above the VAT threshold.

To help manufacturers, EEF is today launching a dedicated Brexit hotline to help companies understand the implications of the technical notices. The organisation's Brexit experts are currently analysing today’s technical notices and will be publishing easy-to-understand summaries on their website over the coming days.

While it is clearly prudent that Government plans for a no-deal Brexit scenario, EEF remain confident that government will secure a deal with the EU and will continue to work with ministers to help secure this.

"EEF welcomes the increased clarity for businesses from the publication of today’s raft of technical notices," said Stephen Phipson, chief executive of EEF. "However the remaining notices need to be published at the utmost speed so companies have the full picture to enable them to prepare properly for a no-deal scenario.

"The decision to allow importers to defer VAT payments is very gratefully received and is something EEF has been campaigning hard for with Government in order to protect the 145,000 businesses in the UK which are above the VAT threshold.

"We also welcome the commitment to create UK replacements for the regulatory bodies we will leave next March if we fail to reach a deal with the EU. However, we would like Government to make firm commitments to ensure these bodies can swiftly recruit the skilled people they need to deliver a seamless regulatory environment in the event of a no deal exit.

"To help manufacturers, EEF is today launching a dedicated Brexit hotline to help companies understand the implications of the technical notices. However, we remain confident that Government will secure a deal with the EU and will continue to work with ministers to help secure this."

To reach the EEF Brexit Hotline, call 0808 168 5874