Speak to employees about EU Referendum, says CBI

As the EU Referendum debate enters its final month, one heavyweight business organisation is urging its members to explain the impact of a Leave outcome.

The CBI has called on businesses to speak to their employees about the EU referendum, providing them with information, whichever side of the debate they are on.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director-general, said: “As people become more engaged in the EU referendum debate they are calling out for the answer to one critical question – ‘what would a Brexit mean for me, my job and my family?’

“Many employers, like Airbus, BMW and John Lewis, are already talking to their employees about the implications of the referendum. CBI members employing at least 800,000 people have already done so and the feedback from employees has been strongly positive.

“Responsible business leaders should give their employees the choice to hear what impact a Brexit would have on company growth, their jobs and their local community.

“This is not about telling people how to vote but having calm, evidence-based conversations, whichever camp the business is in, or if they are neutral. And there are many different ways of engaging – whether it’s holding a ‘town hall’ style debate, setting up an internal information hub, or asking employees what questions they want answers to.”