In his final interview as CBI Chair, Rupert Soames delivers a blunt assessment of how government engages with business and why it so often gets it wrong.
Speaking to Felicity Hannah on the BBC’s ‘Big Boss Podcast’, Soames says he’s been “shocked at how little government understands business”, particularly the day-to-day realities of employing people, managing risk and investing for growth. Much of what he describes will feel familiar to employers in the meat processing sector.
On the Employment Rights Bill, Soames warns that well-intended reforms have increased the cost and risk of hiring, especially for younger workers and those with gaps in their employment history. While some compromises have been made, he argues uncertainty remains high and it’s making employers think twice about taking people on.
Brexit also comes in for fierce criticism. Soames describes its economic impact as “really, really, really bad” and says progress in resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU has been far too slow. He labels the situation “Code Red” for the economy.
While he does credit the government with some progress on trade deals, regulation and AI, Soames repeatedly returns to the gap between rhetoric and reality. In short, it’s a candid account of why business confidence is fragile and why policy still feels disconnected from how companies actually operate.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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