Statement from the Chief Executive of BITC on the Autumn Budget

Responding to the Autumn Budget delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer today, Mary Macleod, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said:

“While there is much to unpack from the government’s first budget, I welcome the Chancellor’s announcements today on increasing the National Minimum Wage, supporting people with the cost of living and investing in projects to help people into work.

“Currently, nearly 2 million people in the UK are economically inactive but want a job, so it is important to support these individuals back into employment. Alongside providing greater support to carers, it is encouraging to see the government commit to supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training, as well as others not currently in work. BITC is actively working to support people into work with our Job Coaching programme, our work in transforming communities and our assistance to employers in improving employee wellbeing. We can scale these programmes immediately and create greater impact at pace and scale.

“Businesses also want to achieve growth; they want people to be fit for work and equipped with the skills needed for a modern economy. From reforming how skills are delivered to developing local growth plans, we stand ready to work with the government as we bring together business leaders and community organisations who are already making an impact across the UK – who will be crucial for this budget’s success.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Press Officer, on 020 7566 6638.