CBI responds to new government campaign to connect employers to local Jobcentres

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said:

“Shortages in the labour market may well have eased from their peak of 2022, but access to people remains a major brake on growth and investment across multiple sectors.

“This is ultimately a long-term issue for the UK economy driven by demographic changes. In formulating a playbook for how to respond to this challenge, the Government is right to look at how it can reduce barriers to work.

“A cross-Ministerial group to identify solutions to sector specific recruitment challenges is exactly the kind of governmental-grip that industry needs. Whilst better matching domestic workers to local vacancies by bolstering the role of job centres is a smart play that can help ease some of the blockages within the labour market.

“Ultimately at a time when living costs remain high, government and business working together to ensure more people can experience the financial benefits and security of work is absolutely vital.”