CBI boss in talks with Germany to reform EU laws
The CBI is to work with its German counterpart in an attempt to reform parts of the European Union's regulations.
By James Quinn 05 October 2013 • 9:00pm
John Cridland, director general of the CBI, is believed to have held a number of conversations with Markus Kerber, his opposite number
The business lobby group, which represents more than 240,000 companies across the UK, is working with the BDI to enact reform in several areas, rather than repatriation.
John Cridland, director general of the CBI, is believed to have held a number of conversations with Markus Kerber, his opposite number, about the plan.The two men are understood to feel that the EU's labour laws need to be reformed in order to support economic growth in both countries.
But as well as repeal, the two men agree that there should be further harmonisation in a number of areas, in particular telecommunications and services. The discussions form part of the CBI's agenda to boost the playing field for British industry.
They come ahead of what is expected to be the CBI's largest survey of its members, on the subject of Europe. Working with McKinsey, the management consultancy, the business lobby group has been polling its members about their thoughts on whether the UK should remain within Europe.
The survey has included approximately 100 roundtable discussions with member companies as well as individual surveys. The final research is expected to be published early next month, to coincide with the CBI annual conference on November 4.
Sources indicate that the research will show that an overwhelming majority of CBI members think the UK should remain within the EU, but that they would like reform in certain areas. It is understood that the survey's results are broadly the same for large and small companies, dispelling the myth that owners of smaller firms do not believe they benefit from EU membership.
A recent separate CBI/YouGov survey of more than 400 businesses found that if a referendum on the future membership of the EU was held tomorrow, a substantial majority of CBI members would support staying in, fearing an exit would affect access to trading markets and business investment. Some 78pc of firms favoured staying in the EU, while 10pc thought it was in their interests to leave.
At the time, Mr Cridland said: "The UK should take the lead on the push for reform and make sure rules are evenly applied across the EU. Businesses are also concerned about the UK gold-plating legislation from Brussels."