If a writer of political fiction depicted the current state of affairs, or affairs of state we as a nation currently face, adding a mind numbingly complex Brexit scenario into the script would seem to stretch the imagination too far, but here we are.
Image by, ClemRutterAmidst the greatest threat to the economy and health of the nation the very last thing needed is Brexit, and what Brexit is or will be in a few weeks’ time is still unknown.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the biggest ‘Brexit’ threat to hospitality was the ending of free movement of people, but Covid-19 put an end to that concern.
The free movement of goods however does present a problem, and one that will surface in the weeks ahead that cannot be planned for.
The ongoing lockdown and emergence from it mystery adds to that complexity, as being unable to plan to reopen hinders any ordering of goods needed to do so.
Existing supply chains with the European Union will be subjected to change post Brexit on both sides of the exchange process. Countries within the EU do not know how rules and regulations will change prior to despatching goods, and recipients in the UK are similarly in the dark. Despatch from the UK for receipt in the EU is the same.
For any hospitality business in the UK that imports food and drink from the EU this presents a difficult situation.
Also, when whatever the final outcome is presents itself, there will almost certainly be substantial delays at points of entry to the UK, as customs and logistics try and adapt to the new landscape.
Just as hospitality employers have been forced to look within the UK employee pool, will businesses also be forced to look within the UK for new suppliers of some food and drink products.
Could Brexiteers really be that Machiavellian?
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