CBI Northern Ireland responds to easing of Covid restrictions
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said:
While this announcement – in conjunction with progress in vaccine rollout – does offer real hope, every effort must continue to be made to support businesses as they seek to get back up and running. That means the UK Government and Executive working together to instil public confidence and bolster the private sector while the economy gets back on its feet.
15 Apr 2021
CBI responds to Global Travel Taskforce announcement
John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said firms will welcome confirmation of a risk-based ‘traffic light’ approach to travel routes, alongside the scaling back of onerous quarantine restrictions for travellers from some destinations.
"Key milestones to review progress must be agreed in partnership with the travel industry, their supply chains and wider sectors that rely on global connectivity to ensure the most appropriate balance between driving economic recovery and protecting public health.”
09 Apr 2021
CBI response to PM Covid update
John Foster, CBI Director of Policy, said knowing the Covid roadmap is on track can help create the economic momentum the country needs as the second phase of reopening begins. He added:
“Restarting international travel is vital for all parts of the economy, including tourism. The new traffic light system is a simple, risk-based approach that business has been calling for. It should be implemented alongside straightforward border arrangements, advance testing where necessary, and high-quality communications about any future changes to a country’s status."
05 Apr 2021
CBI Wales responds to lockdown roadmap
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director welcomed the publication of the route map for a economic restart in Wales that puts safety first, but added a unified approach across the UK was vital for instilling public confidence:
“We know from experience that the economy can’t be turned on and off like a light switch, meaning that a challenging and uncertain few months still lie ahead. Every effort should be made to support businesses as they seek to get back up and running following such a long-term break in trading."
01 Apr 2021
CBI responds to Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, recognises progress has been made, but argues there is a long way still to go on supporting the career progression of ethnically diverse employees:
“When it comes to supporting the career progression of ethnically diverse employees, transparency is the watchword. And while progress has been made, there is a long way to go."
31 Mar 2021
Our response to the UK/EU financial service memorandum of understanding
Flora Hamilton, CBI Financial Services Director, said effective regulatory cooperation between the UK & EU on financial services will lead to better services for customers.
“Together with earlier draft data adequacy decisions, businesses will want this Memorandum of Understanding to signal growing services cooperation between the two trading partners.”
27 Mar 2021
CBI responds to additional business rates relief
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said this latest relief will now help some of the forgotten supply chain businesses hit indirectly by restrictions and offers more support to the devolved nations, so credit to the Government for listening to the concerns of business. She added:
“It’s a tricky balance to strike, but other firms whose revenues have been hard hit by the crisis will certainly be highly frustrated that their appeals for discounts will be null and void now.”
25 Mar 2021
CBI responds to latest Government-backed loans figures
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said Bounce Back loans have been a standout success, with lenders working at speed to get emergency funds to companies in their hour of need.
“From unveiling substantial measures at the outset of the pandemic to announcing the Recovery Loan scheme at Budget, the Treasury has taken bold, decisive steps to protect livelihoods throughout this crisis. Government support has saved countless jobs and businesses."
25 Mar 2021
Our response to the TUC's AI at work report
Felicity Burch, CBI Director of Innovation & Digital, said AI has the potential to transform the workplace, by giving employees more time to focus on decision-making, creativity and customer service.
“To help build public trust businesses must continue engage employees closely, invest in the right governance processes and embed a culture of lifelong learning.”
25 Mar 2021
CBI responds to Tax Day
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist said firms want to see that same decisiveness shown at Budget used to fundamentally reform the unfair business rates system.
“We look forward to working closely with the Government to help deliver that simpler, modern tax system that promotes business investment and the move to a low carbon economy.”
23 Mar 2021
Response to ONS labour market statistics
Matthew Percival, CBI People & Skills Director, said clear evidence about the impact of the pandemic on young people over the past year reinforces the need to extend the deadline for the Kickstart scheme for another six months.
“With approximately five million people still on furlough, the Chancellor’s move to extend and taper the scheme will help support many jobs as the roadmap for reopening gets underway."
19 May 2020
CBI responds to the publication of Policy Statement on the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)
Felicity Burch, CBI Director of Innovation, said:
“Business backs the Government's ambition to be a science superpower. The creation of ARIA is a strong signal that government is placing a big bet on science and innovation success. But we now need to go all in. This includes vital funding for UKRI and for association to Horizon Europe."
19 Mar 2021
CBI responds to changes in government incentives for electric vehicles
Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director, said a clear and consistent pathway for incentives will ensure business can continue to deliver the government’s ambitions for reducing transport emissions.
“With a stretching 2030 target in place to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, we must avoid sending mixed messages to consumers and businesses. Switching to an electric vehicle still has many barriers, including high upfront costs and availability of reliable charging points."
18 Mar 2021
Response to audit and corporate governance proposals
Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director welcomed the new audit and company reporting regulator. He also said an increasing emphasis on non-financial information would help provide a rounded view of firms’ performance. He continued:
“But many businesses are still to be convinced that mandating shared audits will get to the heart of the issues around rigour and quality, not just add complexity."
18 Mar 2021
CBI responds to publication of Integrated Review
Andy Burwell, CBI Director of International Trade, said business looks forward to working with government to implement the plan and drive prosperity in all parts of the country.
“Business will welcome the importance placed on relations with key growth markets to boost business confidence, along with a balanced approach to China. Key to this partnership will be closely aligning international interests to priorities at home, be that championing the race to net zero or investing in future technology."
16 Mar 2021
CBI Scotland responds to latest Covid review
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said tentative steps out of lockdown would be a boost for business but there was still some way to go.
"Government support has provided a lifeline during an unprecedented twelve months, but with firms low on cash, confidence and demand, further support is needed. Restart grants will offer flexibility and help cushion firms during a precarious restart phase where jobs and livelihoods remain in the balance."
16 Mar 2021
CBI responds to publication of National Bus Strategy
Tom Thackray, CBI Director of Infrastructure, said business investment would play a major role in funding the next generation of zero emissions buses.
“The National Bus Strategy has reinvigorated the case for public investment in greener, better integrated, and more customer-orientated bus services nationwide. Business welcomes the ambitions to drive a significant shift from private car use to bus services, clearing our towns, cities and countryside of congestion."
15 Mar 2021
Extend Kickstart scheme deadline by six months - CBI President
On extending the Kickstart deadline, Lord Bilimoria said:
“With the scheme due to end in less than 9 months employers simply don’t have enough time to make the most of it. Extending the deadline by six months would account for any delays as our economy re-opens, guarantee time to process the huge demand for placements, and ensure as many young people benefit from the scheme as possible."
15 Mar 2021
CBI Wales responds to steps out of lockdown announcement
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said the announcement of a more limited relaxation of restrictions than anticipated left firms with the impression of being marched to the top of the hill, only to be asked to walk back down again.
“With low demand and cashflow problems affecting almost all SMEs across Wales, many will have already undertaken significant and costly preparations to ensure they get up and running as soon as possible. While continued business support is obviously welcome, it can’t come close to making up for lost trade."
12 Mar 2021
Our response to the latest Parker Review data
Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBI President and Chair of Change the Race Ratio, said FTSE 100 firms had made real headway on ethnic diversity at the top. He added:
“This is an important milestone, but not job done. Companies need to keep up momentum with actions to improve ethnic diversity at every level, developing talented future leaders from across society."
12 Mar 2021
CBI comments on latest GDP figures
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said while a year of repeated restrictions had taken their toll, vaccines and further Covid support were reasons for optimism.
“As we look towards recovery, the Government must now have a laser-like focus on the UK’s longer-term competitiveness by prioritising measures which stimulate jobs and skills growth, fulfil levelling-up ambitions and accelerate moves towards net zero.”
12 Mar 2021
CBI NI responds to new executive financial support measures
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said welcomed the targeted business support and noted fast delivery would be crucial. She added:
“Now business rates support has been extended to 12 months, it will provide greater financial certainty for local firms. Business grants have also been a lifeline for many small businesses, especially those that are only partially opened and experiencing low volumes of trade. Continued grant support will be necessary for struggling sectors including hospitality, tourism and retail, who are operating in an extremely challenging economic environment.”
11 Mar 2021
CBI Construction Council comments on new low carbon industry strategy
Greg Craig, Chair of the CBI Construction Council, said CO2nstruct Zero will focus minds on practical steps businesses can take now and over the long-term.
"The CBI welcomes and supports the CO2nstruct Zero initiative being driven and coordinated by the Construction Leadership Council. Rapidly reducing carbon emissions and improving the environmental performance of built assets is the industry's biggest long-term challenge."
11 Mar 2021
CBI Scotland responds to passing of Scottish Budget
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, welcomed the further Covid support saying it must continue in parallel for as long as restrictions remain. She added:
"Additional support for decarbonising homes is welcome and must be viewed as an urgent priority as we push for a green recovery. Extra funding for upskilling and retraining in the North East is a further positive move that will support the local economy to diversify."
10 Mar 2021
New London Mayor must champion a sustainable and inclusive recovery, says CBI
Jordan Cummins, CBI London Head of Policy, said this mayoral election comes at a pivotal time for London’s economy:
"London finds itself under the watchful eye of the world and many of its pre-Covid challenges remain. Housing affordability still prices out key workers, while infrastructure investment is still critical to London’s long-term ambitions. And economic and social inequality unfortunately remain currents running through our city. At a moment like this, both leadership and partnership are paramount."
08 Mar 2021
CBI responds to UK-US agreement on the suspension of tariffs
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said news of a short-term agreement to suspend US retaliatory tariffs on UK exports, from scotch whisky to textiles, is extremely welcome.
“This positive step must now lay the foundations for talks at pace to resolve the dispute once and for all. This dispute is lose-lose for all involved at a time when business is suffering from the pandemic, global trade and investment is crucial for economic recovery.”
04 Mar 2021
CBI Northern Ireland responds to the Budget
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said the Budget succeeds strongly in protecting the economy now and kickstarting recovery - but leaves open the question of Northern Ireland's competitiveness with the Republic’s Corporation Tax rate of 12.5%.
“The Government and the Executive must now have a laser-like focus on Northern Ireland’s competitive position in the round, including fundamental reform of Business Rates, investment in skills and a relook at how Northern Ireland competes with the Republic’s Corporation Tax rate of 12.5%. Northern Ireland must remain attractive for every type of business, from the innovation, high-growth homegrown firm to the global firms investing locally.”
03 Mar 2021
CBI response to Budget
Tony Danker, CBI Director General, said the Budget succeeds strongly in protecting the economy now and kickstarting recovery - but leaves the open the question of UK competitiveness long term.
“The Chancellor has taken a welcome, broad view on how to stimulate growth from the new Infrastructure Bank, to Help to Grow and incentives to take on apprentices. The super deduction should be a real catalyst for firms to greenlight investment decisions. But moving Corporation Tax to 25% in one leap will cause a sharp intake of breath for many businesses.”
03 Mar 2021
CBI responds to extension of Job Retention Scheme
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said extending the scheme will keep millions more in work and give businesses the chance to catch their breath as we carefully exit lockdown.
“As we make progress into the summer, it’s right that businesses start contributing to be part of the scheme. Meanwhile it’s great to see more support for the newly self-employed, who have missed out over the last year.”
02 Mar 2021
CBI Wales responds to Welsh Budget announcements
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said the Welsh Government is doing the right thing by putting Covid support and economic recovery at the centre of the Budget.
“While investment in long term priorities like infrastructure will help to put the local economy on the path to growth, consumption and government spending alone can’t deliver the sustainable recovery we need. All eyes will be on the UK Budget for measures cementing short-term support, incentivising investment and setting out a path to sustainable growth over the longer term.”
02 Mar 2021
CBI NI responds to the Executive's Pathway to Recovery
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said caution must remain the watchword but companies need more clarity on the likely sequencing of lifting restrictions.
“While the Executive’s Pathway to Recovery represents a good starting point, many NI businesses will still be left feeling disappointed. Considerable uncertainty remains over when they can reopen their doors and goes to show the complexity of reopening the economy."
02 Mar 2021
CBI responds to extra £93m investment in Wales at Budget
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said the Chancellor is committing to an investment in Wales’ green future with hydrogen and rail to the fore.
“Meanwhile, extra monies for the city deals will enable all parts of Wales to bring forward projects that will make a real difference to communities. If the economy is to snap back into shape, then Wednesday’s Budget will also need to incentivise businesses to get spending on jobs, skills and innovation.”
01 Mar 2021
CBI comments on launch of 'Help to Grow' scheme
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said Help to Grow would make a real difference on the ground.
“The UK has some of the most productive companies in the world, but also a long tail who are not yet firing on all cylinders. Management training, access to digital advice and making productivity-enhancing software more affordable will all help smaller businesses become more effective and play their full part in driving the economic recovery.”
01 Mar 2021
Action now will protect economy and give lasting Budget boost to jobs, confidence and investment
Rain Newton Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said:
“The Prime Minister’s roadmap for easing restrictions and the Chancellor’s forthcoming Budget represents two parts of the same story – bookending the immediate Covid-19 crisis by relieving firms under pressure and setting the economy on a path to recovery."
28 Feb 2021
New mayors must champion sustainable and inclusive recovery, says CBI
Addressing the launch of the Greater Manchester Revival plan, CBI North West Director Damian Waters said:
To address the short-term challenges of Covid-19, and turn Greater Manchester into a healthier, more productive, and thriving place, the newly-elected metro mayor must champion a strong economic vision. This vision must enable businesses to succeed, and recognise that a strong economy which delivers shared growth and good jobs can raise living standards and wages for all."
25 Feb 2021
CBI President responds to NI Economic Recovery Action Plan
Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBI President, welcomed the plan, saying firms would have their sights firmly fixed on next week’s Executive roadmap and the Chancellor’s UK-wide Budget.
“Northern Irish businesses are full square behind this recovery plan. Investing in skills, creating employment opportunities, as well as stimulating investment and demand are strongly aligned with the CBI’s vision for an inclusive, jobs-rich and green economic recovery."
25 Feb 2021
Our response to the latest Hampton-Alexander Review data
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, welcomed the progress made in hitting such an historic milestone ahead of the Hampton-Alexander target.
"Firms must continue to dismantle barriers that prevent women rising to the top – by building fair and inclusive workplaces which bring about lasting change. Now this target has been reached, it’s time to go further on female representation and accelerate progress on racial and ethnic diversity in Britain’s boardrooms.”
23 Feb 2021
CBI Scotland responds to COVID-19 strategic framework update
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said for sectors like hospitality, retail and tourism, the road back to a tier system at the end of April will feel like a long and uncertain one. Others, like tourism and aviation, face another prolonged period of hibernation.
“With jobs and livelihoods still in the balance, continued business support from both the UK and Scottish governments remains essential. All eyes will be on the forthcoming Budget for an update on the furlough and business loan schemes.”
23 Feb 2021
Our response to ONS Labour Market statistics
Matthew Percival, CBI Director of People and Skills, said employers need the Budget to provide further business support - including extending furlough - until the economy is fully reopen. He added:
“VAT deferrals and a business rates holiday to June would also provide immediate relief to those sectors who are struggling and preparing for restrictions to ease over time.”
23 Feb 2021
CBI responds to Government roadmap out of lockdown in England
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said business backs the step-by-step approach to re-opening and putting an end to damaging stop-start restrictions. He added:
"The Budget is the second half of this announcement - extending business support in parallel to restrictions will give firms a bridge to the other side. This is particularly needed for sectors who will have to wait for up to three months to re-open and have an anxious 10 days ahead before the Budget."
22 Feb 2021
CBI Wales responds to latest lockdown review
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said firms will be looking to see a plan for how to swiftly and effectively reopen the economy once it’s safe to do so.
"Getting on the front-foot as quickly as possible will hopefully help lessen lasting economic damage from the pandemic in terms of jobs and firms protected.”
19 Feb 2021
CBI NI responds to latest extension of lockdown restrictions
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said while the Executive’s moves on click and collect for some retailers are helpful, businesses will require more clarity and transparency on likely sequencing for lifting restrictions so they can prepare for the weeks and months ahead.
“Decisions should be driven by the data, plans developed in dialogue with business and the Executive should prioritise allocating unspent Covid support to the hardest hit companies urgently."
18 Feb 2021
CBI Scotland responds to latest lockdown review and Finance Secretary statement
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:
“While the First Minister’s indication of the likely sequencing for lifting restrictions is helpful, businesses will hope next week’s Strategic Framework brings much needed clarity and transparency about the weeks and months ahead. This should be driven by data and developed in dialogue with business."
16 Feb 2021
CBI responds to the latest GDP figures
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said that until we can end the stop-start cycle of lockdowns, businesses need support to continue in parallel with restrictions.
“The Budget comes at a critical time for the UK. Extending the furlough scheme through to summer and continuing the business rates holiday for another three months will help safeguard jobs, livelihoods and communities across the country.”
12 Feb 2021
Businesses have vital role to play in supporting NHS staff - CBI
CBI North East Director, Sarah Glendinning, noted that business made remarkable contributions to the national effort from the outset of the pandemic, from pivoting operations to meet the ventilator challenge in spring, to donating PPE and food to those in need throughout the summer. She added:
"However, while the NHS continues to struggle under incredible pressure, some of the early support has dried up. After nearly a year fighting the pandemic, doctors, nurses and care workers need – and deserve - to know they have not been forgotten."
11 Feb 2021
Failure to act fast on Covid support will stunt UK economic recovery - CBI Director-General
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said the Resolution Foundation report provides telling data on firms’ precarious cash position. He added:
“First and foremost, we need extended business support to recognise the true health and economic picture. Then this support should be tapered down as the economy reopens. We then need a blend of long-term policy clarity and the right incentives to ensure businesses invest."
10 Feb 2021
CBI responds to new testing rules for international travellers
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said further, immediate support would be essential to protect companies and jobs in the aviation sector and its supply chains. He added:
"The government should also be clear on a roadmap to relaxing restrictions when health data permits. The UK’s world-class aviation sector – which underpins so much of our economic activity – must be supported so that it can play its full part in the country’s recovery."
09 Feb 2021
Parties must build new partnership for prosperity - CBI Scotland Holyrood manifesto
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said by making enterprise a genuine partner, the next government will be able to provide bolder, better and fairer solutions to the challenges Scotland faces now and in years to come.
“This election must be about rebuilding Scotland from the devastating impact of the pandemic. It’s crucial that the economy is front and centre of the political debate. A strong economy that creates growth and good jobs is the only sustainable way of raising wages, improving living standards and ultimately securing prosperity for all Scots."
05 Feb 2021
CBI Scotland responds to latest lockdown review and offers roadmap for re-opening economy
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said proposals to initiate a phased return of schooling later this month would help parents struggling to juggle work and childcare responsibilities. She added:
“Business has supported the strategic framework approach to reopening the economy, seeing it as a transparent way to explain decision-making around restrictions. By building a route map now for exiting the current lockdown, we can minimise economic casualties in the coming weeks and months.”
02 Feb 2021
Use time wisely to get roadmap right for re-opening
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said:
“There is huge appetite among businesses to help the Government create and deliver a roadmap out of lockdown that lasts, has national consensus and kickstarts our economic recovery as 2021 unfolds. A common framework with devolved administrations must also be possible and help to minimise differences in approach."
01 Feb 2021
CBI responds to aviation funding support announcement
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist welcomed the targeted support for the sector. She added:
“Prioritising public health remains critical, but government must recognise the disproportionate effects restrictions have on specific areas of the economy. The UK's aviation sector and supply chains now need a much more comprehensive package of support so they are ready to play a pivotal role in the economic recovery later this year.”
29 Jan 2021
CBI Wales responds to latest extension of lockdown restrictions
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said with public health the number one priority as we seek to significantly lower transmission, business understands the rationale for further extension of lockdown restrictions. He added:
“Getting funds as quickly as possible to those firms that need them most remains key to protecting jobs and livelihoods. Longer term business is looking to the Welsh and UK governments to work together to provide certainty around business support over the coming weeks and months – including extending the successful Job Retention Scheme until at least the end of June.”
29 Jan 2021
Government guidance can help firms ramp up workplace testing – CBI
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:
“Lockdown and the work from home guidance before that explain some of this, but not all. Encouraging businesses and helping them prepare to rollout workplace testing should form an essential plank of a return to normality in 2021. It will help create greater confidence among staff and employees, and when the time comes, support the reopening of the economy."
29 Jan 2021
CBI Scotland responds to Scottish Budget announcement
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said the UK and Scottish governments must now work together to provide certainty over business support.
“The private sector is critical to a successful recovery and moves to protect firms’ immediate futures are welcome. Continuing rates reliefs for the hard-hit hospitality, retail and tourism sectors is welcome, however a three-month window remains a challenging timetable for firms under real pressure. Companies will also be relieved to see a continued commitment to Covid business support and no further changes on income tax."
28 Jan 2021
CBI responds to latest Government announcements on Covid
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:
“Ongoing school closures will put real pressure on children and teachers, as well as parents who must continue to juggle work and home commitments. Business has a big role to play in charting a course out of lockdown that best protects firms, staff and customers. We are ready and willing to work with Government on their exit strategy.”
27 Jan 2021
CBI Wales responds to latest labour market statistics
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said while positive vaccine news has given everyone hope, evidence of unemployment gradually creeping upwards provides clear evidence that businesses and households are still bearing the brunt of the pandemic.
“The continuation of lockdown restrictions makes it ever more urgent that the UK and Welsh governments do everything they can to protect job and livelihoods. The Job Retention Scheme needs to run to at least the end of June to avoid a cliff-edge.”
26 Jan 2021
CBI responds to latest labour market data
Matthew Percival, CBI Director of People and Skills, said:
"Unemployment rising to 5% and continued high redundancies show the difficult decisions businesses face. The prospect of extending lockdown makes it urgent that the Chancellor acts now to extend job and business support. The Job Retention Scheme needs to run to at least the end of June to avoid a cliff-edge.”
26 Jan 2021
Support, skills and sustainability critical to delivering recovery-focused Scottish Budget
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:
“CBI Scotland argues that a budget focused on support, skills and sustainability can bolster Scotland’s short and long-term economic prospects. That means protecting the companies that will deliver growth, investing properly in our workforce and building a net zero economy that not only delivers a better environmental future, but an economic one too. Sustainability can be a competitive advantage for Scotland for years to come and deliver a real jobs boost at a time when we need it most.”
24 Jan 2021
CBI comments on Skills for Jobs White Paper
Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director, said continued partnership between business and education will ensure courses remain in lockstep with industry needs and give learners confidence they are gaining skills that lead to jobs.
“New technologies mean that nine in ten employees will need to learn new skills by 2030. Government commitment to delivering the flexible loan entitlement and boosting access to modular learning is hugely welcome and will support more adults into training. This should be backed up by turning the Apprenticeship Levy into a flexible skills levy at Budget."
21 Jan 2021
CBI Scotland responds to extension of nationwide lockdown
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said while the extension came as little surprise to business, the economic damage could not be underestimated.
“The Scottish Government must now redouble efforts to get business support to the firms that need it as quickly as possible. Similarly, the UK Government must look at extending the successful Job Retention Scheme to the end of June to protect jobs and livelihoods at risk. And both governments must work together on fuelling the much-needed economic recovery.”
19 Jan 2021
Government must act on Covid business support before Budget
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said:
“The rule of thumb must be that business support remains in parallel to restrictions and that those measures do not come to a sudden stop, but tail off over time. Just as the lifting of restrictions will be gradual, so must changes to the Government’s sterling support to businesses.”
19 Jan 2021
CBI responds to Supreme Court ruling on business interruption insurance
Flora Hamilton, CBI Financial Services Director, welcomed the much-needed clarity for UK firms. She added:
“At such an uncertain time, this court case provides... relief for smaller firms struggling with cashflow.
This is significant news for insurers, and regulators will need to work closely with the industry as policies, products and processes are updated to reflect this ruling.”
15 Jan 2021
CBI comments on closure of travel corridors
Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director, said while done with the best of intentions the move would undoubtedly come as a further blow to aviation industry, highlighting the need for targeted fiscal support.
“This action also underscores the need for effective vaccines and testing regimes to be rolled out rapidly worldwide. Close coordination with business and further measures to rebuild demand will be essential for reenergising the aviation sector as restrictions begin to lift.”
15 Jan 2021
CBI Wales responds to First Minister's statement on COVID-19 business restrictions
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said business understands that there can be no return to normal until transmission is significantly curtailed, adding firms across Wales have worked tirelessly to keep their shops, offices and factories Covid secure for customers and employees.
“This latest announcement largely formalises processes that businesses are already doing. Support and advice around implementation, rather than an enforcement-first approach, on issues like ventilation will help to get premises get up to speed as quickly and safely as possible."
15 Jan 2021
CBI comments on November GDP
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said with the country locked down for virtually all of November, the reduction in economic activity comes as no surprise. He added:
“Getting on top of the pandemic remains key to reigniting the economy. Businesses stand ready to lead the revival and continue to look to the Government to help them through to the recovery phase.”
15 Jan 2021
CBI Scotland responds to latest COVID-19 restrictions on Scottish business
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said businesses have a clear responsibility to help all employees who can work from home to do so. She added that when well organised, click and collect services instinctively feel like a safe way for firms to keep trading.
“It’s really important that the Scottish Government sets out compelling evidence that these services are a source of transmission and provides additional, urgent support to compensate for what would be a further loss of revenue in increasingly challenging times.”
13 Jan 2021
CBI Scotland responds to top-up in grant support for hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said the announcement of a further extension to COVID-19 support grants for the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors is welcome and will undoubtedly help some of Scotland’s hardest-hit firms as they struggle with evaporating demand and day-to-day cashflow challenges.
“There is however no doubt that severe restrictions, while both understandable and necessary, are having a significant impact on jobs and livelihoods across the Scottish economy. After 10 months of adaptation, closure and sacrifice, businesses need to see clear evidence for these decisions.”
11 Jan 2021
CBI comments on Vaccine Delivery Plan
Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director, welcomed the Plan saying rapid roll-out of the programme would be crucial for business survival and getting the economy fully operational.
“Throughout the pandemic, business has stepped up at the service of the nation. It can do so again. The country needs an army of volunteers to deliver the vaccine programme, so where they can, firms should strive to make it easy for staff who wish to help. This won’t always be possible, of course, but businesses should be as accommodating as they can. And flexibility will be key when the time comes for staff to receive the vaccine."
11 Jan 2021
Our response to expansion of asymptomatic testing in England
Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director, said rapid mass testing is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting on top of the virus. The health and safety of staff is paramount for employers, and they would be right behind this initiative. He added:
“This expansion of testing will help more critical workers and those unable to work from home to operate safely, while also catching new cases more swiftly. Ramping up asymptomatic testing to all workplaces will require hand-in-glove partnership between health services, local authorities and businesses in each and every community.”
10 Jan 2021
CBI response to extra business support during third lockdown
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, welcomed swift action from the Chancellor and said direct grants will provide some relief to eligible companies’ cashflow. She added:
“Extending the job retention scheme to end of the second quarter would provide firms with a clear line of sight, aiding planning and investment. And removing the business rate relief cliff edge in April will provide much-needed breathing space, as will re-examining the case for VAT deferrals."
05 Jan 2021
CBI Scotland responds to latest Covid-19 restrictions
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said firms understand that a sharp spike in infection numbers require a swift response to protect public health. But news of a national lockdown will be a severe setback for Scottish companies. She added:
“There’s now an urgent need for existing financial support to be unlocked, so companies can survive the Spring and beyond, and for Holyrood to clarify guidance on what constitutes an essential business."
04 Jan 2021
CBI response to PM statement on increasing covid restrictions
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said it is absolutely essential that we all put the health of our citizens first, and that businesses would continue to step up in the national interest to support the NHS, employees and customers. He added:
"There are now a number of imperatives for government to support business. First, ensuring firms have the cashflow to make it through. Second, the government must review and plug any coverage gaps from existing support. And third, firms must have a clear line of sight and assurance that support will be there for as long as restrictions are in place."
04 Jan 2021
Pragmatism not penalties can help new UK-EU relationship start strongly - CBI
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:
“As firms adjust to new processes and procedures, they will be keen to see quick progress on issues outside of the deal to support business. Greater regulatory cooperation on financial services and mutual recognition of professional qualifications, are just two business-critical issues that will make a material difference.”
31 Dec 2020
CBI comments on UK-EU trade negotiations
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, appeals to politicians on both sides of the Channel to find the path through.
"With less than 3 weeks to go, we also need to plan in parallel for 1st January, deal or no-deal. That means everything from border systems and processes to data adequacy and financial services equivalence. It also means allowing sensible grace periods for businesses to adapt to re-labelling of products and phasing in of border checks."
13 Dec 2020
CBI Northern Ireland responds to NI Protocol agreement
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said it is now incumbent on both sides to intensify their engagement with Northern Ireland’s business community in the coming months to safeguard firms and consumers. She added:
"Business preparations also depend on a deal being done. While affording some time to adjust is welcome, questions remain on operational readiness and the longer-term impact for supply chains. This starts with turning legal text into practical guidance so firms can act."
09 Dec 2020
