“I want there to be a labor shortage, because that’s the way to getting productivity improvements,” said Richard Tice, a prominent British businessman and co-founder of the Brexit Party. In an exclusive interview with POLITICO, Tice expressed his strong belief that a labor shortage in the UK would lead to significant productivity improvements and ultimately benefit the country’s economy.
Tice’s comments come at a time when the UK is facing a critical labor shortage due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the end of free movement of workers from the European Union (EU) following Brexit. This has led to concerns about the impact on various industries, including agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare, which heavily rely on EU workers.
However, Tice sees this as an opportunity for the UK to improve its productivity and competitiveness. He believes that a labor shortage will force businesses to invest in technology and automation, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. “When you have a labor shortage, you have to invest in technology, and that’s how you get productivity improvements,” he explained.
Tice’s views have been met with criticism, with some arguing that a labor shortage would only harm the economy and lead to job losses. But Tice remains firm in his stance, stating that the UK needs to move away from its reliance on cheap labor and instead focus on investing in technology and upskilling its workforce.
He also took the opportunity to criticize the recent EU-UK summit, where leaders failed to reach an agreement on post-Brexit trade rules. Tice called the summit a “complete waste of time” and accused the EU of being inflexible in negotiations. He believes that the UK should not be afraid to walk away from a bad deal and instead focus on building its own trade relationships with other countries.
Tice’s comments have sparked a debate about the future of the UK’s economy and its relationship with the EU. While some may disagree with his views, there is no denying that the UK is facing a labor shortage, and something needs to be done to address it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for businesses to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. And Tice’s call for a labor shortage may just be the push that UK businesses need to invest in technology and increase productivity.
Moreover, a labor shortage could also lead to higher wages for workers, as businesses compete for a limited pool of talent. This would not only benefit workers but also help to reduce income inequality in the UK.
Tice’s vision for a more productive and competitive UK is a positive one. It encourages businesses to think outside the box and invest in the future. It also highlights the need for the UK to become self-sufficient and not rely on cheap labor from other countries.
In conclusion, while some may view a labor shortage as a negative consequence of Brexit, Richard Tice sees it as an opportunity for the UK to improve its productivity and competitiveness. His call for businesses to invest in technology and upskill their workforce is a step in the right direction towards a stronger and more self-sufficient UK economy. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, Tice’s words serve as a reminder that challenges can also bring about positive change.
