THE British Chambers of Commerce has issued a warning that many companies and firms are not ready for the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.

The lack of the much-promised trade deal is known to be a cause of confusion and lack of preparedness for British businesses, but a devastating survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows just how serious the situation is.

The leading business group – which represents 75,000 firms of all sizes and sectors across the UK employing nearly six million people, and works with over 30,000 companies that trade internationally each year – has written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove.

In doing so, it is seeking action for businesses and urgent discussions to help firms prepare.

With businesses disrupted by Covid-19, the research found that more than half (51%) of firms surveyed had not taken any of the eight steps recommended by the Government to prepare for changes in the movement of goods between the UK and the EU.

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BCC stated: “Firms do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning and potentially creating unprecedented new administration and costs.

“There is no clarity on how food and drink due to be sold in the EU and Northern Ireland is to be labelled.”

They also claimed there had been very limited guidance on the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and no information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – key to “levelling up” the regions and nations – despite years of calls for clarity.

BCC director general Adam Marshall said: “The ‘Check, Change, Go’ campaign gives the impression that Brexit-related changes are like getting an MOT – whereas the reality is that for many businesses, they’re more akin to planning a moon landing.”