Sirius News Bulletin - 4th January 2021
Brexit
UK and EU post-Brexit trade deal
On 24 December, the UK and the EU announced a post-Brexit trade deal which will take effect from 1 January 2021. The trade deal has been approved by ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, and the UK Parliament is expected to vote on the deal on 30 December 2020.
While business organisations have welcomed the announcement of a deal, they have warned that more guidance is needed so businesses can understand the changes that will come into force from 1 January 2021.
The deal covers a wide range of issues including:
Trade and Standards
• The deal sets out arrangements for free trade between the UK and the EU without tariffs or quotas.
• There will be mutual recognition of trusted trader programmes, meaning UK producers will be required to comply with UK and EU standards.
• The deal outlines the arrangements for rules of origin and determines which goods will count as being “made in Britain”.
• The UK will leave the common fisheries policy.
• The UK and the EU have agreed a minimum level of environmental, labour and social standards which neither party must go below.
Research and innovation
• The deal sets out how the UK and the EU will continue to co-operate in the fields of research and innovation.
• The UK will continue to participate in the Horizon Europe programme as an associate member for seven years.
Working in the EU
• Some professional qualifications awarded in the UK will no longer be automatically recognized in the EU. Professionals including doctors, nurses, architects, dentists, pharmacists, vets and engineers will have to seek recognition in the EU member state where they want to practice.
• Freedom of movement will end and a visa will be required for stays over 90 days in the EU.
• Managerial and specialist staff seconded to the EU for business will be able to stay for up to three years. Trainee employees will be able to stay for up to one year. Those on short-term business in the EU will need a work permit.
Read more about the deal at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreements-reached-between-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and northern-ireland-and-the-european-union
DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date.