But given the immediate context, the folly of not extending the transition period becomes more apparent with each passing week. The explosion of new bureaucracy and red tape will compound the misery for businesses and add to their costs. From the pharmaceutical industry to the freight trade, alarm bells are now ringing loudly in companies being tested beyond their limits. The December departure date coincides with what is generally the busiest time of year for the pharmaceutical industry, even in a normal year. As one senior figure in the pharmaceutical industry put it recently, there is a desperate need for “a bit of breathing space” as companies face an unprecedented set of variables and unknowns.

Source: The Guardian August 09, 2020 17:26 UTC