New Brexit rules have led to up to 60 new jobs being created in Felixstowe and Harwich ports, a councillor has revealed.

The new roles have come about after food imports from EU nations, which were previously allowed into the UK with being inspected or tested, now have to be checked.

Regulations now mean these goods are subject to the same rigorous safety checks and regulations by Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) as products from the rest of the world.

Mary Rudd, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for community health, said the changes caused by Brexit could double the workload for SCPHA.

Cllr Rudd said: "The team comprises 81 people and we expect to add another 60 when switching on our new 24/7 service in the coming months.

"While the UK was part of the EU, the free movement of goods afforded to all member states meant that SCPHA would never inspect goods of EU origin, just as the EU would never inspect UK exports to the EU.

"However, now that the UK is no longer part of the EU, we are required to start checking some types of EU imported food and likewise, the EU is starting to check our exports to it.

"In recent years, SCPHA has been handling 80,000 enquiries a year and carrying out all the required checks on 30,000 consignments of food.

"These statistics would not have included food products from any of the 27 member states of the EU. These numbers are therefore set to increase significantly – latest estimates suggest a doubling of workload across Felixstowe and Harwich."

The changes are being brought in gradually until October. The new posts will include port health support officers, IT experts, veterinarians, port health officers and managers, and recruitment is underway.

Nub News recently reported how Freeport East status for Felixstowe and Harwich could lead to a surge in jobs, with a potential 13,500 new vacancies. Full story here.

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