The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has contributed to the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) report, ‘Open and Controlled’, ensuring the voice of the public relations profession is represented in the discussion on post-Brexit immigration.
The report, which assesses the immigration needs of 18 key sectors, calls for a new approach to immigration after Brexit which moves away from calls to control numbers and instead gives business the access to workers to come to the UK, ensuring they contribute positively to the economy.
The CIPR represented the public relations profession in the Professional Services chapter which, together with financial services, makes up around 80% of the UK economy. It recognises the positive contribution that EU nationals have made to the sector in “bring[ing] unique cultural understanding, knowledge of overseas markets and native language skills. These skills enable the professional and business services industry to thrive in the UK.”
The UK PR profession is continuing to grow, in part due to businesses ability to take advantage of free trade and free movement to and from the EU. Whilst free movement will end, a new system must not stunt this growth. Particularly as public relations has a key role to play as businesses negotiate the challenges of leaving the EU over the coming years.
To ensure continued growth the profession must be able to speak to audiences across the globe, including with the largest and closest trading block to us by being representative in our diversity. We hope this report will begin discussions and go on to provide clarity to businesses as they plan for the years ahead.
The CIPR will continue to represent the profession as Brexit negotiations continue and update members on developments. They have produced two scenario planning reports on how PR professionals can prepare their organisations for Brexit (first and second) and continue to produce monthly Brexit summary reports.