Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech, Carolyn
Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:
“The Prime Minister has opened the door for enterprise and
government to work together and build a fairer and more
competitive UK.
“Getting the right Brexit deal will dominate the coming weeks but
we can’t afford to lose sight of the domestic agenda. At the
heart of that is people. We need a focus on jobs, skills and
investment.
On immigration, Carolyn said:
“Government may be listening to business when it comes to
immigration, but they still aren’t hearing.
“Free movement of people is ending and a new immigration system
represents a seismic shift – one that firms across the country
need time to adapt to.
“A false choice between high and low skilled workers would deny
businesses, from house builders to healthcare providers, the
vital skills they need to succeed.
“The best way to build public confidence is through a migration
system based on contribution, not numbers.”
On Brexit, Carolyn said:
“Future prosperity depends on getting the Brexit deal right. The
overwhelming message from business is to make progress, don’t go
backwards.
“We need frictionless trade, ambitious access for our
world-beating services and a transition period which draws us
back from the cliff edge. Anything less than that and jobs and
investment could suffer.”
