15 Jun 2020
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on the government to prioritise jobs and training for young people in order to help boost the UK economy once the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown ends.
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the CBI stated that unemployment is the biggest threat to livelihoods. The business group outlined an economic recovery plan that would 'help secure a jobs-rich, fair and sustainable future for the UK economy'.
The CBI has urged the government to make jobs, skills training and opportunities top priorities, especially for young people. It also promotes targeted financial support to help kick-start consumer demand and reinvigorate UK competitiveness.
Investing in the green economy will also help to create new jobs, according to the CBI.
'The last few months have seen a nation rightly and relentlessly focused on health,' said Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General of the CBI.
'That will remain the case for some time. But this must not stop the country from implementing an ambitious economic recovery plan. Time is of the essence. Smart, fast policy is needed now to accelerate the process to minimise the human cost and in particular protect the futures of our young people.'