GSD says concerns among business community on treaty uncertainty

The GSD says it's receiving growing and justifiable concerns from the business community about the lack of meaningful consultation and clarity surrounding the proposed EU UK Treaty.

It says Businesses, particularly in the retail sector, are reporting uncertainty over processes and  operational strain.

Spokesperson Craig Sacarello says despite the scale and significance of the Treaty for trade, customs and border operations, formal engagement has been limited, with the Business Transition Advisory Group having met only three times

He says there are fears that the compressed timetable risks a poorly managed transition.

Mr Sacraello says the town hall meeting comes just weeks before a speculative implementation date and is widely seen as too little, too late.

He asks whether Customs and other departments have fully mapped processes and whether guidance documents are ready.

Mr Sacarello says with the Treaty still unpublished and yet to be debated in Parliament, businesses say they are being asked to prepare without certainty or detail.