ALLIE RENISON
‘A lack of Brexit info shouldn’t stop your preparation’
However Brexit pans out, it pays to invest in
getting ready now, no matter how small your steps. This is what I have been telling
IoD members over the past few years. That’s because, while doing so is diffi cult, those who get to grips with the subject now will have a competitive edge. Taking the time to understand the issues that Brexit may present your organisation – from putting the challenges under the microscope to gaming any potential opportunities – will pay dividends.
I have seen a widespread and somewhat worrying lack of familiarity with the “settled status” regime that has been introduced to help EU27 and Efta citizens regularise their status in the UK after Brexit. I know people who have obtained settled status and people who have yet to do so. While many aren’t thrilled about having to go through it, most of those who’ve completed the application have found it fairly easy. Yet many people can be hesitant about discussing this at work. Employers are uncertain about their responsibilities, while workers are nervous
POLICY VOICE
WHAT YOU TOLD US
Members of the IoD’s Policy Voice group (
iod.com/ policyvoice) opine on IR35, the economy and Brexit
52
director.co.uk
Anything to declare? There has been a marked reluctance among British employers to discuss the ‘settled status’ regime for EU27/Efta nationals living and working in the UK
about whether their rights to continue living and working here are protected at all. But a lack of information should be no reason for inaction. There is a strong incentive to ensure that such a straightforward process is taken care of before it becomes an issue after Brexit. We strongly encourage IoD members who employ EU27/Efta nationals or are themselves EU27/Efta nationals to sit down with their workforce and discuss the matter. Visit
gov.uk/settled-status-eu- citizens-families for further information about the application process. The government has enhanced its guidance for employers this year, but this should not be where your research ends. While clear provisions have been made for imports, information on exports can be harder to fi nd. For UK companies currently selling to the EU, preparations for any disorderly withdrawal are more prone to variation by country. In a no-deal Brexit, the UK would become a “third country” to the EU. In a number of areas, the way in which your fi rm could be treated would depend on the guidelines each member state has in place for third countries.
IR35, HMRC’s rules on the taxation of off -payroll workers 56%
are aware of the IR35
changes coming in April 2020.
of members engage self-employed
contractors. Of those: 70% 44% 37% 24%
are prepared for these changes.
say the changes may lead to higher business costs overall.
This means that rules on business travel and the fulfi lment of contracts where services must be provided in person would be subject to change. This is particularly the case for service providers, where EU law does not fully harmonise rules for each sector, but it is still relevant for fi rms trading in goods. European Commission guidance sets out the EU-wide legal changes that would apply after Brexit, but customs authorities in each state could take a more facilitative or restrictive approach to imports from the UK. It pays to engage now with understanding how all those approaches may vary on the day. These are just a couple of the key Brexit issues that directors should be considering. Our online hub at
iod.com/brexit features continually updated advice and detailed information, collated by sector and policy area. The Information and Advisory Service (see p48 for contact details) is another great source of guidance for members.
Allie Renison is the IoD’s head of Europe and trade policy (@AllieRenison)
The economy 40% 22%
are optimistic about their businesses’ prospects.
say they will cut the number of contractors they engage.
are optimistic about the UK economy.
ALAMY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
