A seeming deadlock between Britain and the European Union has formed as Brexit negotiations run into trouble. British Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to reach agreement with Brussels over issues such as the Northern Ireland borders and trade. As a result, many are predicting a no-deal Brexit, and households and firms alike are fearing for the repercussions.
A new report from multi-national consulting firm Oliver Wyman has revealed exactly how the British public will be impacted if no trade deals are reached. The most direct consequence will be the inevitable import tariffs and the UK’s departure from the EU Customs Union and the Single Market.
The report revealed the fiscal impact that will befall households, with many, predicted to become £960 worse off on account of a no-deal Brexit. While the research insisted that the level of impact could vary, the financial landscape of the UK will be undeniably twisted if EU and British relations cannot be improved.
Of course, any blows delivered to consumers is invariably felt by certain business sectors of the economy who rely on the positive sentiment of their customers. Retailers and service sectors, in particular, have struggled to navigate the business environment since the Brexit vote. In the last two years, British businesses have been battling stunted business confidence, tough economic conditions, and a hesitant attitude towards investment on account of prolonged political uncertainty.
At the Credit Protection Association, many of our Members are from within consumer-based sectors, such as retail, restaurant, hotel and leisure. The historically low consumer confidence has already dampened profits and momentum within the industry and any further pressure will aggravate conditions further.
If Britain is faced with the worst-case-scenario and import tariffs and good prices drive consumer finances downwards, businesses must approach third-party credit management companies like CPA for aid. Our cash flow management and debt recovery services navigate our Members out of financial distress and into a more prosperous future ahead.
Households will face higher prices as they absorb costs from labour changes, tariffs, and red tape, it said, whilst consumer businesses could see profits slump by one to four per cent.
The size of the annual impact would vary between £245 and that amount, depending on the type of trade deal the UK gets and whether it can avoid EU tariffs.
A separate report by the House of Lords European Union Committee said food prices are likely to rise after Brexit if no trade agreement with the EU is reached and that there could be shortages of some products.