To continue reading please register or login to your OHW+ account.

UK employers face two major international challenges: climate change and the increasingly competitive global economy, according to the CBI's new director-general Richard Lambert.

Speaking at a CBI environment reception in the House of Commons tonight, Lambert will say economic success in business should not come at the expense of the environment.

"This [the environment] is not new territory for the CBI and for business, but it is of ever increasing importance," he will say. "Good environmental sense also makes good business sense."

Lambert will say UK businesses are making climate change a priority and are willing to cut carbon emissions - but the government needs to support employers.

"This summer the government needs to put in place a clear and practical energy policy that equips the market to deliver competitive and stable energy for the nation over the long term."

Education and training should also be a priority for the government, Lambert will add.