Preparing for Brexit could see businesses having to negotiate a legal minefield with new figures revealing nearly 500 pieces of legislation have been passed so far this year ahead of the split with the EU.
The figures show three times as many Brexit-related laws were passed in the first half of 2019 than in the preceding six months.
Peter Wilding, the EU legal expert who coined the word ‘Brexit’ and FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors’ Brexit Director, says the figures from Thomson Reuters were bad news for businesses.
“There are still major trade and employment laws in the pipeline which need to be passed ahead of Brexit. Businesses trading domestically and overseas will face significant pressures in the coming months amid a legal minefield which will continue after October 31.”
The figures show 488 pieces of Brexit legislation were passed in the six months to June, up from 112 in the previous. In the first half of 2018, only one Brexit-related law was passed.
Still to be passed are the Trade Bill, allowing the government to 'roll over' existing EU trade deals; the Financial Services Bill and the Immigration Bill, establishing the 'settled status' regime for EU citizens living in the UK.
The figures were released as new Midlands Engine champion Robert Jenrick MP announced a further £20m for local councils to help their communities and businesses prepare for Brexit.
The Wolverhampton MP said the funding was in addition to the £2.1 billion announced last week by the Treasury.
Peter added: “Although I’m sure that local authorities will welcome the boost to help businesses prepare for a no-deal Brexit, the fact is that funding can only go so far when there is still so much uncertainty over the manner of the UK leaving the EU.
“We are working closely with businesses on a daily basis helping them to Brexit-proof their operations and keep them up to date with legislation which is being passed and which is pending.
“Businesses are still trying to meet other legal requirements for laws which have stalled – such as new regulations around zero hours contracts and agency working – simply because there has not been enough Parliamentary time to progress them.”
FBC Manby Bowdler has a dedicated Brexit support team led by Peter assisting businesses. For more information visit www.fbcmb.co.uk/brexit
Mr Wilding, and FBC Manby Bowdler’s advisory team, can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01694 724440.