PEOPLE in Scotland will require new levels of advice and support as a result of concerns over the impact of Brexit once the transition period ends on December 31.
Although the UK officially left the EU on January 31 earlier this year, the transition period currently in place means we have been mostly living under EU rules since then.
Talks have been taking place during this time in order to form an agreement – which has mostly resulted in more uncertainty and chaos around the Brexit debate.
But it’s this uncertainty that appears to be fuelling the fears of citizens, at a time where there is still not an agreed deal.
The new research published by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), and conducted earlier in the year by Ipsos MORI, centred on discussions with both individuals and businesses.
The respondents were based in Glasgow, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
READ MORE: New visitors seek help from Citizens Advice Scotland
According to CAS, there were three broad areas that people identified as being concerns in particular: the economy, residency and access to healthcare and social security.
CAS Strong Communities spokesperson Gillian Fyfe said: “We have been aware that concern has been growing steadily, as the end of the transition period gets closer, about the impact Brexit will have on people.
“What we have found is that people and businesses in Scotland still feel very uncertain about what Brexit will mean for them.
“There is unease about the potential impact it may have upon the economy and public services like health and social care, as well as concerns about the status of EU citizens and freedom of movement.
“It’s clear that the UK’s future relationship with the EU is likely to increase the demand for advice.
She added: “As Scotland’s largest provider of free advice, the Citizens Advice network is determined to help people deal with those concerns and to guide them through any particular problems they may have, and ensure people can exercise their rights as citizens and consumers.”
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