Key areas that the new PM must focus on

With Liz Truss being announced as the UK’s new Prime Minister, industry representatives are calling on the PM to prioritise certain areas.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) is urging that Truss focuses on tackling areas that will support the UK’s economy to balance the impact of the pandemic, Brexit and the roll out of Off-Payroll.

One such area is the Employment Bill, with the APSCo stating ‘Alongside Truss’s plans to review off-payroll legislation, the introduction of the Employment Bill is urgently needed to help bring regulation of the recruitment market and umbrella companies in line with 21st century needs. This includes greater support for self-employed and independent contractors as well as clear definitions of the flexible workforce to prevent disguised remuneration.’

Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at APSCo, commented, “The country has experienced change on a huge scale in the last few years as a combination of Brexit, IR35 and the pandemic changed the world of work as we knew it, with the impact of continued global economic uncertainty and rising inflation adding to this difficult climate.

“At APSCo Global we want to work with policymakers to ensure we have a truly sustainable, global and flexible workforce fit for the future. We are calling on the Government to introduce an Employment Bill which will better reflect modern day working post-pandemic than current legislation, more suitable high-skilled visas that can allow the UK labour market to remain agile and alive to specific sector labour shortages.

“Flexible and pragmatic training initiatives designed to maximise businesses’ access to talent across the workforce is also essential. In acting on these policy items, the UK will continue to be a world leader in new and existing markets.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Amelia on 01206 591 000 or email amelia.bowlez@contractorumbrella.com.