The end to the biggest question currently hanging over the UK – when are we going to leave? – Well folks it’s at the end of January 2020 so batten down your hatches, strap on your boots and prepare for the ride. 

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Among the many powerful voices speaking out in support of remaining in Europe was Unilever CEO Paul Polman.

Fears

Polman believes that the Anglo-Dutch company will be negatively impacted by a successful Brexit exit in January  but also that the whole UK and global economy will be put at risk.

Unilever produces 400 household brands globally and employs some 7,500 people in the UK. Along with other powerful pro-Europe companies such as Rolls Royce, easyJet and BT, this make Polman’s position hard to ignore.

Divorce

Polman has likened a withdrawal from Europe to a costly and messy divorce and raises many concerns about the possible negative outcomes of leaving; for example, there are obvious concerns about the possible restrictions on workers moving freely within the European Union.

Brexit supporters have been heavily criticised for not addressing the many anxieties raised by the food industry, such as possible high taxation on food imports. With the UK importing 27% of its food and therefore dependent on the EU for its supply, especially of fruit and vegetables, the fear is that the cost of everyday foods would increase dramatically and lead to a recession.  When its comes to kitchens they will need make sure they are checking everything to stay within the law like the Gas Meter Box installation, to the cleaning schedule and the staff hours.
Opponents of the Vote Leave campaign claim that it is our access to free trade within a single market that makes the UK an economic success; therefore, leaving the EU may have a serious negative impact, not only on jobs but also on the overall stability of the economy. Many businesses in the UK.
Recession

The BBC reported earlier in the year that the chancellor, George Osborne, feared that leaving Europe could push the UK into a long recession with a loss of up to 82,000 jobs.

There are many, including Unilever’s CEO, who claim that the European Union is in need of a serious overhaul; however, for the time being, it seems to be the case – for many in the food industry at least – of better the devil you know.