Recruitment essential for UK post-Brexit, business body claims

A leading business group is warning the best Brexit deal "won't be worth the paper it's written on" if companies cannot recruit staff.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the General Election should not be just about the terms of the UK leaving the EU.

The next government must have a clear idea of how to support economic growth by improving competitiveness and upgrading physical and digital infrastructure, said the BCC.

It called for the status of EU nationals to be protected and for an immigration system that was responsive to skills shortages.

Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC said: "While businesses all across the UK want a good Brexit deal, they are very clear that decisions taken here at home matter as much, if not more, to our future growth prospects.

"The best possible Brexit deal won't be worth the paper it's written on if firms cannot recruit and train the right people, get decent digital connectivity, or get their goods to their market.

"At this election, business communities want a clear commitment from all parties to create the best possible conditions for growth, in every region and nation of the UK.

"Westminster must stop and reverse the relentless increases in the up-front cost of doing business in Britain, and give firms the confidence to drive investment, job growth and exports through the Brexit transition and beyond."