The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has criticised the UK government for failing to recognise future challenges in its sectoral analysis on the country’s retail sector if the basis of the UK’s trading and commercial relationship with the European Union (EU) changes. It only offers an account of the importance the industry has for the UK economy, says BRC.
The BRC has shown throughout 2017 the major implications for consumers on prices, choice and availability of goods of a Brexit without tariff-free trade with the EU, according to William Bain, BRC policy adviser, Europe and international.The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has criticised the UK Government for failing to recognise future challenges in its sectoral analysis on the country's retail sector if the basis of the UK's trading and commercial relationship with the European Union (EU) changes. It only offers an account of the importance the industry has for the UK economy, says BRC.#
On prices, losing reciprocal tariff-free trade with the EU could raise prices for food and other imported consumer goods. On customs, without a deal to minimise non-tariff barriers, consumers face delays on the supply of goods. On people, the retail industry would be seriously affected without access to labour from the EU, with a range of skills, to get goods on the shelves and out to consumers, explained Bain.
BRC wants to engage further with the UK Government, parliament, and other decision-makers to demonstrate what is missing in this document, a press release from the organisation said. (DS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India