Our Message to the New Government is Clear: Work with Us to Build the Best Jobs Market in the World – REC

 

Responding to the results of the UK general election, REC chief executive Kevin Green says:

 

“As the Conservative party starts forming a new government today, the REC will be working flat out over the coming months to build links with new ministers and officials to make them aware of the positive contribution our industry makes to the UK labour market.

 

“Our message to the new government is clear. By working in collaboration we can build the best jobs market in the world in the UK.

 

“Recruiters are on the front line of the jobs market, placing over 600,000 people into permanent jobs each year and helping the 1.15 million workers who are out on temporary contracts on any given day. Our industry has an important part to play in supporting growth and creating millions more jobs. We have valuable insights on skill shortages, welfare reform, and education policy and we want to make sure that policy-makers benefit from this expertise.

 

“For recruiters, we can expect specific issues to come to the fore. The Conservatives have promised to focus on economic growth and competitiveness, which we anticipate being positive for the UK recruitment industry. However, we need to convince the new government to adopt a sensible and balanced approach to immigration so that UK businesses can hire the talent and skills they need to succeed.

 

“An EU referendum looks certain and this could create uncertainty for businesses. Markets need stability, and our strength comes from the UK working together and as part of the EU. We will continue to advocate the UK’s ongoing membership within a reformed EU.

 

“We also intend to increase our focus on supporting our Scottish members, in case greater devolution is sought following the gains made by the SNP last night.”

 

The REC’s ‘Manifesto for jobs’, published in December, set out the professional body’s recommendations for the next government. It called on policy-makers to:

 

• Give everyone the chance to succeed through work

• Accelerate business growth and jobs creation

• Build the best local jobs markets

• Enhance our position in the global marketplace

Building the best jobs market in the world: The REC’s manifesto for jobs is available online at www.rec.uk.com/manifesto

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

1. The REC set out its priorities for the next government in Building the best jobs market in the world: The REC’s manifesto for jobs, available online at www.rec.uk.com/manifesto