WA15

EU enlargement 'will be good for business'

A number of key business groups have welcomed the expansion of the European Union, with the accession of ten new member states on 1 May.

According to a survey carried out by the Institute of Directors, around 60% of members believe that workers from the ten accession states will be able to help plug the skills gaps in the UK workforce.

The Confederation of British Industry said that the British economy is set to benefit from ‘the controlled entry of workers’ travelling to the UK from Eastern Europe.

CBI director Digby Jones highlighted the importance of a policy of ‘managed migration’, which would enable migrants to make a contribution to prosperity without placing additional burdens on society.

The CBI called on the Government to ensure that all newcomers are able to speak English or are committed to learning the language, will pay tax, and are prepared to work in those areas where skills shortages are the greatest.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses has emphasised the need to ensure that SMEs receive proper representation at EU meetings.

According to the FSB, the crucial role played by the SME sector, in both national and European economies, is often forgotten by policy and lawmakers, even though SMEs contribute around £3 trillion to GDP.

Nick Goulding, FSB chief executive, said, ‘The EU constitution will have an effect on all, businesses and individuals alike. So it is very important to ensure that the voices of the smaller businesses are heard in the corridors of power throughout the newly evolving Europe'.

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