2010 Elections - Make your view Count

As election fever starts to grip the nation what will the reign of the next government mean for the recruitment and the professional contractor market? Would a change of government really help the labour market? Or do we need time to let the dust settle from what have been pretty tough times for us all?

This is certainly not the place for me to air my own political views but one thing I believe is vitally important (regardless of who forms a new government) is that several key points which affect our industry are discussed.

I received an email from REC yesterday issuing a “call to arms” to recruiters. They have produced a manifesto laying out 3 key objectives that I believe should be championed over the next few weeks:

• Creating the right economic climate - The next Government must avoid increasing taxes on business to encourage investment and job creation. In the public sector, efficiencies must be delivered without reducing service to the public.
• Removing Barriers to Growth - Businesses can drive growth and create employment if the regulatory environment is supportive. The next Government must remove barriers to growth by reducing and simplifying regulation and by championing the UK’s flexible labour market.
• Delivering opportunity and jobs - Our jobs market is open, dynamic and flexible; this provides our economy with an international advantage. We must nurture this by building a highly skilled workforce and by harnessing the contribution of recruitment professionals in providing guidance for job-seekers.

From a recruiters' point of view, it is difficult to argue with any of these points and I certainly believe that any contractors who have an active interest in their own destiny should also champion this manifesto.

Commenting on the aims of the Manifesto and the role that recruiters can play over the coming five weeks, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said:

“The Manifesto articulates the action we seek from the next Government and champions the role of the industry in creating prosperity and delivering job opportunities. Regular jobs market data and high profile initiatives such as the Youth Employment Taskforce and the Agency Work Commission have helped to position the industry as a major voice on employment and labour market issues. There is a real opportunity to build on this over the coming weeks.

One of the main objectives in developing the Manifesto is to enable recruiters to play an active role by helping to drive the industry’s own ‘campaign trail’. The run-up to the General Election is an important time for our industry to come together and ensure that our voice is at the forefront of some of the major labour market and economic debates.”

What's your view? Do you think the manifesto is spot on or a bit misguided? Are there any key points you think the REC has failed to pick up on? All comments welcome!