The CBI has responded to a speech by Prime Minister
at its 2017 Annual
Conference.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General,
said:
“From the UK’s domestic opportunities to Brexit, the
Prime Minister reassured businesses at the CBI conference that
they share a vision for a strong economy built on fair,
competitive markets. These welcome words must be followed
through: clarity on industrial strategy and Brexit ambitions must
be matched with urgent delivery. Firms will do all they can to
make this happen.
On industrial strategy, Carolyn
said:
“The Prime Minister gave her wholehearted backing to
a modern industrial strategy that backs dynamic, responsible
business rather than heavy handed
intervention.
“Four out of five firms are clear that industrial
strategy is the fundamental building block of a fair UK economy
with great jobs and rising living standards.
“With the pace of change of technology accelerating,
business and government must move quickly, together, to transform
innovation, skills and infrastructure to boost all sectors and
regions.
“The CBI has been clear this must be delivered in the
partnership of the century between firms and the Government, with
a pro- enterprise environment that unlocks more investment. The
Prime Minister’s commitment to this is welcome.”
On Brexit, Carolyn
said:
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s full
commitment to the Florence speech and a status quo transition.
This is essential for firms across the country, providing much
needed stability and avoiding a catastrophic cliff-edge
scenario.
“All in the Government must embrace this: the road to
a Florence Deal must be swift and have no deviations. Every
opportunity must be taken to reduce uncertainty for the sake of
jobs and the economy.”
On harassment in the workplace, Carolyn
said:
“Sexual harassment in all forms is totally
unacceptable and has no place in any workplace in this country.
Businesses take the wellbeing and welfare of their employees very
seriously, but there is no place for complacency as this sadly
remains all too common. The UK’s business leaders will help stamp
out sexual harassment in the workplace.”
