UK manufacturers urgently need clarity on Brexit - Reuters

Reuters is out with a piece quoting Judith Hacket, chair of the EEF manufacturer's group, who talks about the need for immediate resolution of the Brexit scenario so that manufacturing businesses have time to adapt to the changes after Brexit formally takes place in March of 2019. Hackett provided Reuters with excerpts from a speech she is slated to make to attendees of an EEF conference, which will include UK business minister Greg Clark.

Key highlights:

• Companies are still confused about what Brexit will mean for them
• Cannot stress the urgency with which UK businesses need clarity on Brexit transition deal
• Must avoid new trade barriers, complicated customs arrangements, or different regulatory environments
• Government must recognize risks of 'clamping down too hard' on migrant workers from the EU
• Companies still need access to the skills that EU workers currently provide
• UK's domestic levy on apprenticeships has been disastrous for UK firm, easier for businesses to halt or opt out of apprenticeship programs altogether