Brexit: Shop as if it is a “long bank holiday”

Thursday 28 February 2019

Islanders are being urged to stock up on essential food and sanitary items as if it were a “long bank holiday” in case of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.

The Chamber of Commerce, the island’s key business lobby group, issued the warning for what they are now terming ‘D1ND’ (Day One No Deal) yesterday afternoon.

They say that, despite preparations for the UK’s exit from the European Union by Jersey’s government, some disruption is likely if no deal is passed before the key date of March 29.

Among other things, this could include disruption to food supplies, leading Chamber to urge islanders to engage in “sensible planning”.

Pictured: Chamber President Eliot Lincoln.

Eliot Lincoln, President of Chamber, which has been working closely with the government to prepare for Brexit, commented: “…If we do end up with D1ND, there may be implications for the island’s supply chain which could cause a reduction in the range of retail products available including fresh produce.

“Therefore, we want to encourage consumers to think about what essential supplies they might need in the event of D1ND, possibly including sanitary products, baby food and store-cupboard favourites.”

He continued: “I think the message for consumers is to think sensible planning as you would before a long bank holiday period. Working together with Government and our many Chamber Members within the shipping, freight and retail sectors, all agree that we should be thinking ahead and should all act responsibly by being well prepared."

Emergency Planning Dept @StatesofJersey hosting a Brexit workshop today working through different table top scenarios. Testing organizational activities, individual roles & responsibilities. Important to work with all agencies who have a role to play. #workingtogether pic.twitter.com/u4aGKr86OH

— A/CI Mark Hafey  (@SoJP_CIPartners) January 16, 2019

The alert comes one month after the Government of Jersey and key stakeholders, including the Ports and Emergency Services, staged an emergency planning exercise, which saw them simulate 'D1ND'.

Speaking after the exercise, the Director General of Home Affairs Julian Blazeby and the Chief Minister said Jersey was well-prepared to weather any retail difficulties, as it had learned to deal with such problems through previous disruptions to the island's ferry services.