The CBI responded to a speech by the Prime Minister on the freedom of movement within the EU.

Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: “The UK’s openness to trade, people and investment has been the foundation of Britain’s success in the past and will remain central in the future. Immigration has helped keep the wheels of this recovery turning by plugging skills shortages and allowing UK firms to grow. “Freedom of movement to work is essential to businesses getting access to the best talent and equally offers British citizens the chance to take up a job anywhere across the EU.

“Businesses agree that we must ensure the system rewards those here to work, not the few who do not contribute. But the EU matters to the future of British jobs and growthso we must work with allies to secure reform. “The Government and businesses need to do more to ensure growth benefits everyone and that means not only helping more people into work, but equipping them with the skills they need to move up the career ladder.”