CBI responds to labour market statistics: Dec 2017 - Feb 2018

Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said:

“Confirmation of wage growth outstripping inflation for the second month in a row hopefully heralds the beginning of a real improvement in living standards. And with the UK unemployment rate at a new record low, it’s clear the labour market is performing strongly.

“Nonetheless, this data is further evidence that businesses are facing both skills and labour shortages in many parts of the country.

“Applying the current non-EU immigration system to EU nationals after Brexit will exacerbate these shortages, making it harder to fill vacancies. A comprehensive deal on migration and mobility is needed as a part of the wider UK-EU relationship to support growth and jobs across all regions and nations of the UK.”