Brexit: ‘No deal’ planning ramps up

Dear member,

The Brexit process has entered a new and potentially dangerous phase. The turmoil in Westminster has increased the prospects of a ‘cliff edge’ departure by the UK from the EU. Amidst such volatility, it is important for business to have a clear and distinctive voice.

Ibec has consistently championed these broad principles: any EU-UK deal must safeguard the Good Friday agreement, avoid a hard border with Northern Ireland and protect the all-island economy; and Ireland’s place in the EU’s Single Market must not be undermined.

In advance of Budget 2020, Ibec’s submission made the case for a suite of Brexit-related measures to be included as part of the Government’s preparations for Brexit. In mid-September, a delegation from Ibec will meet with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe, as part of the budgetary process.  

In a no-deal scenario, far-reaching financial supports will be required to assist those companies and sectors most exposed to a Brexit shock. Such measures are set out in detail in our Budget 2020 submission.

Ibec continues to work closely with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to help companies prepare for new customs procedures.

But with the clock ticking down to October 31 2019, business needs greater clarity on how exactly a ‘no deal’ would be managed on day one and how North-South and East-West trade and customs borders would operate. Ibec continues to seek an adjustment period in such a no-deal scenario.  

Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, Ibec has hosted hundreds of events and meetings with members up and down the country. Over the coming period, we will host additional Brexit seminars covering customs and trade, employment and HR, and data protection implications.

This drive includes a joint event with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in the Crowne Plaza, Dundalk on 3 October. The special event will discuss the implications of Brexit for growth and investment on the island with keynote speaker David McWilliams. Visit the following link for more information.

In preparing for all scenarios, I would urge members to consult Ibec for advice and information on various aspects of Brexit contingency planning by contacting our team of policy experts and HRprofessionals.

We will continue to stay closely in touch with you over this crucial period.

Best wishes

Danny McCoy