OVER 23,600 people in the Bradford District are employed in one of the five sectors that will be most impacted by Brexit.

With the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, Bradford Council has drawn up a “Brexit Preparedness” report into what needs to be done in preparation of the political shake up, deal or no deal.

The report reveals that if a no deal Brexit were to happen, the Yorkshire economy would be smaller than if the UK either stayed in the EU, or if there was a negotiated exit.

It also reveals that the Council will have a 30 day supply of fuel stored as part of its “emergency planning approach.”

The report says: Given the current situation, any Brexit risk assessment is hedged with uncertainties, gaps in knowledge and liable to change. We all have a responsibility not to overstate any potential issues.

“Nevertheless, it is important that we assure ourselves that we have plans in place to deal with any potential

consequences.”

Bradford hauliers preparing for no-deal Brexit 'chaos'

Detailing the financial impact Brexit will have on the economy, the report says: “For Yorkshire and the Humber, the Treasury estimates the economy being eight per cent smaller if there is a no deal Brexit than it would have been in a negotiated exit or remaining in the EU.

“The Bank of England estimates that the Yorkshire and Humber regions will lose 7-10 per cent productivity two year after leaving the EU in the event of a no deal Brexit.”

On fears that No Deal Brexit could lead to disruptions in fuel supplies,, the report adds: “As part of our standard emergency planning approach, the Council has existing contingency plans for a number of scenarios. This includes a 30 day reserve supply of fuel and a standard contingency planning for fuel disruption. This will ensure that the council can still continue to run key services in the event of a disruption to fuel supply.”

The Council refers to a report by Oliver Wyman, a global consulting firm, that said 75 per cent of the impact of Brexit will be felt by just five sectors. These are financial services, automotive, agriculture, food and drink and chemicals and plastics.

The Bradford report breaks down how many people in the district are employed in each of these sectors.

Over 7,900 people in the district (7.7 per cent of the total workforce) are employed by the financial sector by companies including Provident and Yorkshire Building Society.

The automotive industry employs 5,900 people locally, with companies including JCT 600 and Borg Warner. The food and drink industry, including local employers Seabrook, Princes and Mumtaz, employs 5,600 people.

Chemical and plastic companies like BASF, Kemira and Christeyns employ 3,250 people. And just under 1,000 people in the district work in agriculture.

The Council report says: “We are engaging with partners such as the Chamber of Commerce to gain a better understanding of business concerns around a no deal Brexit and the implications for employment and economic output in the district.”

The Council says it is also in regular dialogue with the University of Bradford on the workforce and research implications of Brexit on the institution.