Industrial Strategy Must Benefit All Parts of the UK
On Monday we published our written submission to the Government’s Industrial Strategy consultation – calling for the plan to benefit businesses in all parts of the UK. Our submission urges ministers to identify ‘growth driving priority sectors’ and says the strategy should clearly identify how the UK’s competitive advantage can be leveraged. It says, ‘the industrial strategy should drive investment, support the workforce and encompass the net-zero transition’.
The submission says that for the strategy to succeed, foundation issues such as a competitive tax environment, skilled workforce and an enabling regulatory environment must be in place. It points out that achieving this will require collaboration across government departments and involvement from both the public and private sectors.
Our Policy Manager Jonny Haseldine told journalists:
“The Industrial Strategy is a much-needed opportunity to boost economic growth and investment.”
“With millions of businesses now facing increased costs following last month’s Budget – even more is now riding on the Government’s strategy. Firms in every corner of the UK need this plan to deliver at pace for their needs and their communities.”
“The strategy needs to identify priority sectors which will drive growth – building on the past but crucially looking forward.”
Click here to read the full press release
Business Concerned By Employment Rights Bill
On Tuesday, we used an evidence session on the Employment Rights Bill to highlight businesses’ serious concerns about the legislation and the speed and detail of consultation.
The issues included:
A lack of detailed consultation on wide ranging changes to Trade Union powers.
Greater restrictions and penalties for firms who need to make workforce changes.
More responsibilities, costs and complexity for employers.
The Bill includes some of the most significant and wide-ranging changes to employment laws for decades. Employers are concerned that major decisions have been taken and written into the Bill without detailed consultation with business.
The Government’s own assessment suggests that the legislation will cost businesses almost £5bn per year, with SMEs impacted the most.
Our Director General, Shevaun Haviland, told journalists:
“Businesses welcome the overall aim of this Bill to guarantee job security, offer employees a fair reward and provide them with workplaces free from discrimination.
“But the scale and scope of the changes is huge, with many feeling they are being rushed through at breakneck speed.
“The Budget has already left many firms feeling bruised, and if this legislation is enacted as it stands, it could hamper growth, restrict recruitment and lead to job losses."
Click here to read the full press release here
Businesses Crucial To Circular Economy Delivery
On Thursday we published the latest report from our Green Innovation challenge group – this time focusing on the Circular Economy. The report urged policymakers across the UK to put business at the heart of sustainability and waste reduction plans. The key recommendations:
The Government’s Circular Economy roadmap should be published as soon as possible, with a clear focus on innovation and design-led skills.
A more place-based approach should be adopted to drive forward progress, building on successful regional schemes.
The UK and devolved governments should ensure regular and extensive consultation with the business community on zero-waste policies.
The Government should improve access to innovation funding for SMEs to help them embed circular approaches in their organisation.
A review of how procurement, supply chains and planning can be strengthened to support the circular economy.
Our Director General Shevaun Haviland told journalists:
"SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and they must be front and centre in driving forward a more sustainable future.
“We’re saying to policymakers, in all four corners of the UK, that they need to work in partnership with business to develop our circular economy. We need strategies that empower and enable firms, of all shapes and sizes, to cut waste in every aspect of their operations.
“The way forward is clear. We need strategies that prioritise local solutions, enhance supply chains and promote innovation. Our amazing SMEs will then have the tools to fully develop our circular economy.”
Click here to read the full report
