UK-based manufacturers and supply chains could face a fresh wave of disruption because of a failure to agree crucial safety standards with the European Union, industry leaders are warning.

EIGHT in 10 smaller firms which face being impacted by the imposition of import checks next year have said they are not fully ready to comply with the new paperwork.

New customs checks will make imports more expensive and slower, says Cold Chain Federation.

Small businesses can expect trade with the European Union to be “permanently damaged” from 1 January, a supply chain trade body has said.

Next boss, thinktanks and unions criticise Boris Johnson, saying ‘shortages cannot be blustered away’