6 Sep 2019
No-Deal Brexit Preparations
The University is now at a reasonably advanced stage with its impact analysis and mitigation plan if faced with a No-Deal Brexit. Unlike some, we make no boast about how easy some aspects will be to implement. Mitigation plans will be in place for the most significant challenges but some disruption is likely and not all impact can be fully mitigated. There will also be an amount of detail that colleagues will need to familiarise themselves with over the coming weeks, and some adjustments will be necessary to operating practices, if No-Deal comes to be.
Preparations are due to be considered by the Academic Leadership Team of the University on 16th September and the intention is that an updated series of FAQs are shared with colleagues later that week. The current website can be found here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/brexit/
One immediate concern is the situation for existing and prospective colleagues, from other parts of the EU, who are crucial to our work and immensely valued. The Government’s current position can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families. Our intention is to complement this with further information on our own site over the coming days. A second concern is research funding – and here we have fully followed the Government’s advice for registering projects currently and potentially funded by the EU.
We recognise that colleagues will be seeking reassurance and certainty and we recognise we cannot always provide this to the level desired. It is still unclear whether 31st October is the exit date, or whether a further extension is requested and obtained. Either way, expect detail to be published over the next two weeks.