The CBI is working with the government to communicate the on-going impact to business of recent French industrial action and the migrant situation in Calais. Feeding in member views to BIS and the Home Office, the CBI has emphasised the importance of not only resolving the immediate situation, but also the impact of the backlogs it has caused. Responding, the government has highlighted the following actions being taken in conjunction with French authorities:

• Establishing a secure, 300 truck capacity fenced parking area within the Calais port;
• erecting of a secure fence around the Coquelles freight terminal and its approach roads;
• promoting enhanced lorry security amongst both industry and the wider Brussels / European community;
• dissuading migrants at their point of origin through a new communication strategy; and
• facilitating talks to resolve the situation between French unions and DFDS to avoid further strike action.

The CBI will be actively monitoring further developments in the area, and as part of this work is exploring hosting a business briefing session with senior Home Office and BIS officials later in the year.

Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“While clearly hampering holidaymakers, the disruption at Calais also has an economic impact as exporters are being delayed getting their goods to market.

“We urge both the UK and French Governments and all those involved to work quickly to resolve the situation and maintain clear routes.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact fionnuala.horrocks-burns@cbi.org.uk