POLICY MATTERS


POLICY MATTERS


Although the Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose a danger to our health and hit businesses across Milton Keynes, as this magazine hits desks, we are less than 50 days from the end of the UK’s ‘transition period’ with the EU. Unlike coronavirus, businesses have had some


warning that changes are afoot; from the moment the exit polls were released at 10pm on 12 December 2019 it has been clear that the UK would leave the EU and that the Government’s attitude to ‘getting Brexit done’ would mean that the transition period would not be extended, even during a global pandemic. However, for many businesses, getting prepared for the changes that this will bring have taken a backseat to merely surviving in 2020. While for many members the challenges they


face from Covid-19 do not have easily identifiable solutions, there are simple steps that can be taken to be ready for 1 January 2021. We know, for example, that deal or no deal, any business exporting to the EU from the turn of the year will


CHRISTOPHER JONES, the Chamber’s policy manager represents your views to the people who matter


HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR BREXIT ‘THE


INTERNATIONAL SECTION OF THE MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER IS ON HAND TO


need to have an EORI number which you must apply for in advance. British businesses exporting to Northern Ireland will have to complete new digital import declaration requirements, plus digital safety and security information. The International section of the Milton Keynes


Chamber is on hand to answer any questions regarding the new procedures and throughout the


ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS’


autumn have run ChambersCustoms events setting out what you need to know. You can still book on to these events at www.chambermk.co.uk/events The Government’s website www.gov.uk/transition gives both personal information and advice for businesses about the new rules. At the time of going to print we do not know if the Government and the EU will agree a deal, and past experience suggests negotiations will go down to the wire. Your Chamber of Commerce will continue to press the Government for the clarity and certainty that businesses need. If you have any comments or


questions on anything raised here or think I


can help in any way, please do let me know by ringing 01604 490414 or emailing policy@chambermk.co.uk


May I wish you, your family, and colleagues a very happy festive period.


NEW EMPLOYMENT SCHEME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AIMS TO KICKSTART THEIR CAREERS


An innovative new scheme to help young people into work and support the UK economy is now available in Milton Keynes. Promoted by Milton Keynes Chamber, businesses in the county are now able to sign up to be part of the £2bn Kickstart scheme, which gives unemployed young people opportunities by creating high-quality, government- subsidised jobs across the UK. The Government will fully fund


each Kickstart job – paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up


this wage, while the Government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, as well as helping pay for uniforms and other set up costs. The jobs will give young people – who are more likely to have been furloughed, with many working in sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic – the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace


and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work. The scheme, which will be


delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions will initially be open until December 2021, with the option of being extended. Once a job placement is created,


it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6- month term.


4 inbusinessDECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021


Secretary of State for Work and


Pensions Therese Coffey said: “As we launch our £2bn Kickstart programme, putting young people at the heart of our revival – we are urging businesses to get involved in this innovative scheme and take advantage of the enormous pool of potential out there. “There is no limit on the number


of opportunities we’ll open up through Kickstart and we’ll fund each one for six months as part of


Our Plan for Jobs to create, support and protect jobs.” Milton Keynes Chamber of


Commerce is proud to support the Kickstart Scheme in creating a wealth of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the county.


For more information and an expression of interest form please email: christopher.jones@chambermk.co.uk


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