The Business View

CBI response to Winter Covid Plan

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said government can support responsible businesses by utilising all the available covid secure tools at our disposal, from good hygiene and ventilation processes to the use of face coverings.

“The UK’s world leading vaccine programme should underpin efforts to build confidence in the reopening, but just as important will be maximising the role that monitoring, therapeutics and free, mass testing can play in driving confidence."

Our response to latest labour market statistics

Matthew Percival, CBI Director of People & Skills, said as businesses recouped months of lost trade over the summer, the labour market showed positive signs of recovery too as employment and vacancy figures rose. However, ongoing supply and labour shortages are impeding further growth.

“In the longer-term, this means increasing investment in reskilling, automation and improved pay and conditions. But these steps take time to have impact, so we need a functional Shortage Occupation List too so that firms can temporarily fill the most significant vacancies. Government needs to immediately begin a review of shortages and accept the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations from last year to add extra jobs to the list."

Our response to new border control delays

Sean McGuire, CBI Europe Director, said that additional time could help to relieve pressure on supply chains ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period for retailers, especially given current headwinds. But the impact will be fleeting unless that extra time delivers progress on the challenges firms are facing.

"That includes both sides giving fresh consideration to business’ suggestion for a bespoke veterinary agreement, which could avoid the majority of checks and reflect the unique nature of trade between the UK and the EU. And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures.”

CBI response to Winter Covid Plan

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said the UK’s world leading vaccine programme should underpin efforts to keep the economy open, but just as important will be maximising the role that monitoring, therapeutics and free, mass testing can play in driving confidence.

"Clear forward guidance for firms about what measures will be introduced under Plan B should infection rates rise will maximise their ability to plan with certainty. Transparency about how and when those decisions will be made is essential.”

Higher business taxes & lower business investment are not a plan for growth - CBI Chief

On the important economic choices, we face as a country this autumn, Tony said:

“This autumn requires big choices. Choices that will define a decade. We’re at an inflexion point. Brexit, Covid, Climate Change – all demand that the UK forges a new growth story to compete in the world. And believe me this will be a competition – for new markets, new skills, and technological advantage."

13 Sep 2021

CBI responds to the UK Government's new data protection regime

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said

“Firms will support the government aim to bust barriers to allow data to move securely, but more flexibly across borders. We hope to see the UK maintain its high level of data protections and remain in line with international standards to safeguard our thriving digital economy."

10 Sep 2021

Our reaction to Government plans for social care reform and funding

Lord Bilimoria, CBI President, said that after all that business has gone through during the pandemic and the fantastic Government support that followed, now is not the time for tax increases.

“It’s time to stimulate investment and growth in the economy. National Insurance increase will directly hurt a business's ability to hire staff, at a time when businesses have faced a torrid 18 months and are now fighting crippling labour shortages."

07 Sep 2021

CBI Scotland initial reaction to programme for Government

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“Business investment is absolutely vital to Scotland’s economic recovery, and the government should do everything in its power to attract – not repel - investment and the very best talent. Ultimately, by working more closely with business to create sustainable economic growth, ministers will be able to achieve their goals of improving people's living standards and public services."

07 Sep 2021

CBI outlines labour market insights alongside urgent recommendations

Tony Danker, the CBI’s Director-General, has warned that labour supply problems could last for up to two years and will not be solved by the end of the Job Retention Scheme.

“Labour shortages are biting right across the economy. While the CBI still predicts growth returning to pre-pandemic levels later this year, furlough ending is not the panacea some people think will magically fill labour supply gaps. These shortages... will have a negative impact on the UK’s economic recovery."

06 Sep 2021

Damaging HS2 speculation must end, says CBI

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said HS2 is a project that levels up – a cornerstone of government and business ambitions. It’s too important a project to downgrade to HS1.5.

“Government should put an end to any lingering uncertainty by reaffirming its commitment to delivering HS2, on time and in full, as a foundation stone for an equitable and sustainable future UK economy.”

27 Aug 2021

CBI responds to the latest change in international travel rules

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said the Government must turn its attention to establishing a longer-term system for safe travel which is truly risk-based.

“This means focusing on individual vaccination status rather than country status, simplifying any lingering restrictions and ending PCR test requirements for double-jabbed travelers and journeys to green list countries.”

26 Aug 2021

CBI Scotland responds to agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“Any proposed agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens should recognise the immense contribution that enterprise makes to social and economic life in Scotland, not seek to shut business out of the discussion on economic recovery. Without a thriving and competitive business sector delivering investment, jobs and growth, any plans for ambitious future spending are destined to fall short.”

20 Aug 2021

CBI Scotland responds to latest GERS figures

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“If the Scottish Government plans to launch a series of ambitious spending plans, this must be backed-up by consistent revenue generation. That means supporting enterprise to deliver the jobs and growth we need by taking steps to build public and business confidence in the recovery."

18 Aug 2021

CBI responds to latest labour market statistics

Jennifer Beckwith, CBI Head of Employment, said that with staff shortage concerns a wider test and release scheme must be implemented so that self-isolation remains properly targeted at those who risk spreading the virus.

“Longer-term, business must continue to invest in the skills and automation that will underpin future growth. The government can also help by ensuring that the qualifications it funds include those in short supply and removing barriers hampering firms’ ability to recruit overseas workers.”

17 Aug 2021

CBI responds to publication of UK Government's hydrogen strategy

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said with hydrogen key to unlocking decarbonisation across carbon-intensive sectors, as well as stimulating high levels of skilled green jobs, the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy is a key milestone in the delivery of the UK’s 10 Point Plan.

“With its cross-economy applications in the transition to net-zero, firms will be looking to the Government to make ambitious commitments on hydrogen testing and demonstration projects in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review – as well as clearly identifying its role in decarbonising the UK’s heat system through the Heat and Buildings Strategy."

17 Aug 2021

CBI responds to Acas report on business support for vaccine uptake

John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said:

“The vast majority of businesses are continuing their commitment to protecting staff and customers during the pandemic. This includes showing flexibility when the time comes for their staff to get the jab. We’d encourage all companies to demonstrate this same level of consideration towards their employees.”

CBI NI responds to latest relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions

Angela McGowan, CBI NI Director, said confirmation that double-vaccinated staff will no longer have to self-isolate if they test negative will undoubtedly come as a huge relief.

“However, it’s not clear why the Executive has not agreed to end social distancing or why it continues to advise the workforce to work from home. This feels like a missed opportunity to support struggling retailers that were hopeful of getting more customers through the door and making the most of the final weeks of summer. Many firms are also already proceeding with hybrid working models, with well advanced plans to get them off the ground."

CBI responds to Acas report on business support for vaccine uptake

John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said delivering on the vaccine roll-out is crucial to boosting confidence in the reopening and helping the economy adjust to the next phase of learning to live with the virus.

“The vast majority of businesses are continuing their commitment to protecting staff and customers during the pandemic. This includes showing flexibility when the time comes for their staff to get the jab. We’d encourage all companies to demonstrate this same level of consideration towards their employees.”

CBI responds to Q2 GDP

Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, noted that growth bounced back over the second quarter as restrictions on activity were gradually lifted. He said this underscores that tackling the pandemic goes hand-in-hand with supporting economic growth and added:

“Yet challenges to the recovery are emerging. Several supply bottlenecks have likely taken the edge off growth over the summer: a shortage of raw materials and semiconductors, continuing global supply chain disruption and staffing shortages. In the near-term, every effort must be made to safeguard the UK recovery."

CBI responds to GCSE results day

Alissa Dhaliwal, CBI Head of Skills, said ensuring young people from all backgrounds can fulfil their potential in education is crucial to securing a more inclusive economy.

“Regardless of their results, there are great options for students to pursue in education, vocational training and employment. Whatever route they choose, developing skills like communication, creativity and teamwork will help them to thrive. Employers stand ready to offer support through Kickstart placements, apprenticeships and T Levels.”

CBI responds to Btec results day

Alissa Dhaliwal, CBI Head of Skills, said:

“As school leavers start the next chapter of their lives, firms will provide support through jobs and training. Meanwhile, universities will do whatever they can to help students progressing onto higher education by showing as much flexibility as possible on admissions decisions."

CBI responds to A-Level results day

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:

“Regardless of the outcome, young people should remember that qualifications are just one of the factors employers look at when recruiting. Businesses value the resilience students have demonstrated throughout the pandemic enormously, alongside skills like creativity and teamwork."

CBI Wales responds to A and AS level results day

Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said:

“Congratulations to those receiving their exam results today, after years of hard work and determination. Students have shown incredible resilience to overcome the challenges of learning during the pandemic and that’s something that all businesses both value and admire."

CBI Scotland responds to SQA results day

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“Regardless of today’s outcome, young people should remember that qualifications are just one of the factors employers look for when recruiting. Alongside key skills like creativity and teamwork, attitude and aptitude remain the most important strengths employers are looking when it comes to hiring school leavers.”