The British economy must be helped to move away from its “dependence on immigration”, Sir Keir Starmer will say.
The Labor leader will deliver a keynote speech at the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) annual conference this morning, calling on businesses to focus on “investing more in training the workers who are already here”.
And he will warn bosses that “the days when low wages and cheap labor are part of Britain’s path to growth must be over”.
The party says this means Labor will make the current points-based immigration system, introduced after Brexit, work better for business needs. But businesses must also have a plan to develop the skills of British workers.
Latest policy: Sunak rules out closer alignment with the EU
Speaking to Sky News ahead of the speech, shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said skills and labor shortages are “the number one issue” he is faced with by businesses.
But while he said immigration would “continue to play a big role” in fixing this under a Labor government, adding that “we should be proud of the people who come to this country” to work, businesses they also have to play their part.
“We want to be pragmatic … and address those needs,” Sky News’ Kay Burley said.
“But what Keir will be telling businesses today is that if businesses want to bring extra people into the country, this needs to be accompanied by a clear plan for greater investment in skills in the UK, for better wages and conditions, and for investment in new technologies”.
“Great” labor shortage
The Labor leader’s speech comes a day after CBI chief Tony Danker called on the government to use immigration to solve the UK’s labor shortage, saying it must be “hands-on” about the issue.
Brexit prevented many foreign workers from being able to work easily in the UK and businesses are struggling to recruit, particularly in industries such as hospitality, which have relied heavily on European staff in recent years.
Despite four quarterly declines this year, global vacancies remain high at more than 1.2 million.
Danker told the conference that the UK labor shortage was “huge”, adding: “It’s time to be honest: we don’t have the people we need, we don’t have the productivity.”
But before the CBI on Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisted the UK had “one of the most attractive visa regimes in the world for entrepreneurs and highly skilled people”, adding: “The country’s number one priority right now in terms of migration is being addressed. illegal migration.”
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1:21 CBI: “We really don’t know how we’re going to achieve growth”
Speaking in Birmingham, Sir Keir is expected to say he wants his party to have a “new partnership” with business that results in a “fairer, greener and more dynamic Britain” where “aspiration is rewarded “.
Appearing to directly address the statements of Mr. Mr Danker will also say a future Labor government under his leadership will be “pragmatic” about the basic shortage of people and will not ignore the need for skilled workers to come into the country.
“But I want to be clear here: under my Labor government, any move to our points-based immigration system, whether through the skilled employment route or the worker shortage list, will come with new conditions for business ” the Labor leader will say. to say.
“We hope that a clear plan for more skills and more training, for better wages and conditions, for investment in new technology will be put forward.
“But our common goal must be to help the British economy wean itself off its dependence on immigration. Start investing more in training the workers who are already here.”
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Sir Keir will add: “Migration is part of our national history, always has been, always will be. And the Labor Party will never diminish the contribution it makes to the economy, public services, your businesses and our communities .
“But let me tell you: the days of low wages and cheap labor being part of Britain’s path to growth must end.
“Now, I know most companies get it. But when we look at our economy as a whole, it can seem like we’re more comfortable hiring people to work on low-paying, insecure, sometimes exploitative contracts than we are investing in the new technology that offers workers, productivity and our country.
“And we can’t compete like that. Britain’s low-wage model has to go. It doesn’t serve workers. It doesn’t support grassroots growth.
“The three big priorities for my Labor government, the principles that our partnership must deliver to drive the UK forward, are: one – economic stability, two – more skills, three – green growth.
“I’ll put it simply: every company in this room has a growth strategy. A nation needs one too.”
Distance from rumors of Swiss deals
Rishi Sunak reiterated his commitment to Brexit in his CBI conference speech on Monday, amid reports the government may be seeking a closer “Swiss-style” deal with the EU.
A report in the Sunday Times this weekend claimed that some members of the government were looking for a new deal with the EU similar to that of Switzerland in a bid to improve economic ties, particularly after the recent market turmoil that has damaged the British economy and the current problems with the Northern Ireland protocol.
This deal sees the Swiss opt-in to the single market and removes controls on many goods, but means they are part of the Schengen Common Travel Area and pay into the bloc’s coffers.
But the Prime Minister said it was “unequivocal” that he would not return to any alignment with EU law, adding: “I voted for Brexit, I believe in Brexit and I know that Brexit can deliver, and already offers enormous benefits and opportunities for the country”.
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13:04: “I believe in Brexit”