With the new Prime Minister in office, the REC have welcomed the appointment.
Neil Carberry, CEO said:
“All of us at the REC want to congratulate Rishi Sunak on his election as leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister. The role of our workforce in driving growth and productivity must be at the heart of policy making, and REC members stand ready to help the government deliver on that. From the effects of the pandemic to an ageing population, the shape of our workforce is changing, and firms are facing labour and skills shortages that impede growth.
“The PM has much to do to steer our economy to stability and a path to growth. The recruitment and staffing industry can do lots to help build the skilled workforce the UK will need for the years to come. That is a pre-requisite for boosting growth and enhancing productivity. The labour market has remained strong amid economic uncertainty. For this to continue, we hope the Prime Minister and the Chancellor work to create the right regulatory context, skills support, immigration policy, and welfare-to-work reform.
“At the expected Fiscal Statement next week, we hope to see some quick wins to drive growth, like reforming the apprenticeship levy, ring fenced funding for modular training courses, and clarity on allowing more people to come from abroad to help with worker shortages. On regulation, the government should conduct a wholesale review of the application of the off payroll working rules, which should include long overdue umbrella company regulation and the creation of a Single Enforcement Body. These pragmatic steps would enhance business investment and keep the labour market on a path to supporting growth plans. We look forward to working with the new Prime Minister and his Cabinet at this critical time.”
