Business Secretary Alok Sharma has urged retailers to familiarise themselves with the actions they need to take ahead of January 1, 2021, when Britain leaves the EU.

The Government has launched its tool checker to guide businesses through the transition here

When the transition period ends on December 31, 2020, there will be a guaranteed set of changes and opportunities for which businesses need to prepare as the UK leaves the customs union and single market, including changes to the way businesses import and export goods, the process for hiring people from the EU, and the way businesses provide services in EU markets.

Most of these actions will need to be completed regardless of the outcome of our negotiations with the EU. These include ensuring staff register for residency rights and preparing for customs procedures when trading with the EU.

To make sure businesses are prepared, the Government has also organised a series of sector-specific webinars to remind them of the changes they will need to make.

The webinars cover general areas that businesses of any shape and size will need to understand and act on, such as visas, work permits, and tariffs – as well as sector specific information. Sectors include retail and consumer goods.

They are available to watch again here 

Find out more about preparing to leave the EU here

Additional Guidance and Resources