GRAHAM HISCOTT Get firmer over Brexit CBI boss blasts political mess

ONE of Britain’s top business groups has blasted politicians over their handling of Brexit.

Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the CBI, said: “We need unity, clarity and certainty, not a different opinion every day.”

Her comments came in a yearend letter to CBI members in which she described 2017 as a “roller-coaster ride, full of jaw-dropping twists and turns from the start.” She added: “Firms have responded with resilience but there’s no doubt that the impact of uncertainty has taken its toll.

“While the global economy enjoyed a boom, the UK economy shifted down a gear.”

Fairbairn hailed the recent breakthrough in Brexit talks that allow for trade negotiations to begin.

But she added: “To keep jobs and investment in the UK, binding Brexit transition terms by the end of the first quarter need to be accompanied by progress on a framework for a final deal that delivers barrierfree trade with the EU.”

The CBI was criticised for campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU ahead of last year’s referendum.

Fairbairn said Brexit talks were diverting attention from other pressing needs, including what she called a “skills emergency”. “The clock may be ticking on Brexit but it is ticking just as fast in our schools, colleges, universities and workplaces,” she argued.

“Weaknesses in supporting young people into the labour market have existed for years but the changing nature of jobs and skill needs have turned the situation critical.”

The CBI is to campaign for a shakeup of careers advice in schools to ensure every young person gets good guidance and more dealings with companies by the age of 16. = $66.30

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LETTER Carolyn Fairbairn