At the CBI annual dinner tonight, Rake will tell member businesses to “turn up the volume” on the benefits of EU membership. He will advise employers to “[speak] out clearly and in a language that people can understand” and say that there is “no credible alternative” to EU membership.
Rake will also raise the issues of immigration and skills. “We need to keep up-skilling our population at home and attract the best and brightest European and global talent,” he is expected to say. “Many businesses, and our National Health Service, could not operate without skilled migration.”
However, while arguing for remaining in the EU, he will acknowledge the issues that often come from “poorly thought-out legislation – especially on employment law”, saying this “can be a real headache for business”.
Prime minister David Cameron has promised an in/out referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU by the end of 2017.
Chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation Kevin Green said he is concerned a referendum “could create uncertainty for businesses”.
“Markets need stability, and our strength comes from the UK working together and as part of the EU. We will continue to advocate the UK’s ongoing membership in a reformed EU,” he said.
A recent survey by RSM and the European Business Awards found 75% of UK business leaders think the UK should stay in the EU, and 23% think it should exit. Across Europe, 86% of business leaders think Britain should stay and 76% think leaving would have a negative impact on the UK economy.
The main reasons cited by UK leaders to stay in the EU were the economic advantages brought by membership, including a strong trading position, free market, access to skilled workers and greater commercial opportunities.
