5 Conclusions
91. We
believe that the accession of the A8/A2 to the European Union
has been beneficial to the UK economy and business, chiefly through
the plugging of gaps in the UK labour market, but also through
increased opportunities for exports and investment. Longer-term
opportunities from migrants returning to their home countries
after a period in the UK need to be thought through and explored
more systematically.
92. We are concerned
that many of the messages we have heard from other rapidly growing
economies—such as Brazil or India—about UK business
being slow to take full advantage of opportunities in rapidly
growing markets apply equally to Central and Eastern Europe. Although
we realise that not every company should invest in every country
we believe that the Government should look seriously at what it
can do to reduce the 'fear factor' of investing outside UK businesses'
comfort zones. This is particularly true in the new member states,
which are relatively accessible to small and medium-sized companies
and could provide a way for such companies to 'cut their teeth'
abroad. The opportunities in and challenges from these often highly
skilled and ambitious economies need to be better understood.
93. This inquiry
has reiterated the importance of improving the skills of the UK
workforce if UK business wishes to remain globally competitive.
The accession of the A8/A2 has eased the pressures generated by
a shortage of skilled staff for many companies, but this should
not distract either government or business from the longer-term
task of improving the skills profile of the domestic workforce.
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