The conference, the first since Labour’s defeat at the last general election, began on Saturday, with speeches and fringe events showcased online. It was a far more stripped-down event, with shorter speeches and even fewer fringe events. Unsurprisingly, it was the Covid pandemic and the government’s response to the crisis, which took centre stage this year, pushing Brexit to the sidelines. 

In his first conference speech as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) confirmed that Labour will move forward with supporting the government on Brexit, stating that the argument of ‘remain or leave’ is over. Instead, the Labour leader stressed the need for government to deliver a Brexit deal – something the REC have also been pushing. 

Indeed, businesses in the recruitment sector – like many other sectors – are apprehensive about the possibility of leaving the EU without a trade deal. Before Covid-19, the UK’s recruitment industry was growing, with much of this due to international trade. For the UK recruitment industry to bounce back after coronavirus, a good deal with the EU, which includes services and trade deals further afield, are essential. While much of the trade done in recruitment services is with the US and EU, more trade is occurring with emerging markets, especially in Asia. Ultimately, given the recruitment industry’s world leading position, as many trade barriers that can be lifted the better.

Calls to protect the jobs market were made by Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds as she made a call for government to develop a Job Recovery Scheme. The scheme, similar to the wage subsidy scheme being used in Germany, gives employers in key sectors the opportunity to bring staff back to work, on reduced hours, with government backing wages for the rest of the week. The Shadow Chancellor claimed that such a scheme could also be used to allow workers to train and transition whilst they work their reduced hours. On Thursday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government’s plans to introduce the jobs protection scheme, a similar wage subsidy.

The REC was pleased the Shadow Chancellor also called for greater investment in skills and training. Now more than ever, it is important that workers have access to skills training – we are calling for the broadening of the Apprenticeship Levy to facilitate some of this. 

Analysis from The Bank of England Monetary report suggests as many as 2.5m people could be out of work by the end of 2020. An investment in skills and education would ensure that workers are able to reskill and transition to more viable industries. Such a policy would help reduce long-term unemployment and deliver job creation. 

It is good to hear politicians talk about the need to protect jobs – however, the UK also needs policies to help job creation and get people back into work. We know we face rising unemployment in the coming months, and now more than ever is it important to use the recruitment industry’s expertise to help people get back into employment.

Ornella Nsio, REC stakeholder engagement manager

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