CBI responds to labour market statistics

Alpesh Paleja, CBI Principal Economist, said:

“The data paints a familiar picture – strong employment growth and falling unemployment. Yet stubbornly slow pay growth means living standards remain under pressure, so doubling down on efforts to boost productivity remains critical.

“Vacancies are at a record high and access to skills and labour is a huge concern for businesses. Government could help immediately by removing all shortage occupations from the tier 2 visa cap so employers – including the NHS – can access the skills they need. Longer-term, it’s essential that the link between labour mobility and trade is recognised to create a truly Global Britain – and the first test will be the UK’s relationship with the EU.”