A good Budget for jobs? REC responds to the Chancellor’s announcement
On the day that unemployment figures reach 2.1 million, what are the implications of the Budget announcement for the UK labour market and for the recruitment industry?
The REC wrote to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget, outlining five steps to boost the jobs market.
Responding to the measures outlined this afternoon, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green says: “Today’s Budget recognises the need to address the ongoing squeeze on the UK jobs market. However, the key will be to ensure that new initiatives deliver on the ground and that the Government’s approach to forthcoming regulation and taxation is consistent with a genuine focus on job creation.
“Measures to enhance trade credit insurance and the maintenance of the Business Payment Support service are a step in the right direction and were amongst the REC’s five steps to help job creation that were sent to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget.
“However, there is further need for immediate action – for example, reviewing regulations and taxation that impact on job creation and harnessing flexible options such as temporary and contract work as a stepping stone back into the labour market.
“The additional funding for job-seeker support must be effectively targeted. Rather than just funnelling more money into the existing Jobcentre network, it is crucial that the Government uses external expertise that is already out there and continues to harnessing the contribution of specialised recruitment agencies.
“Finally, specific measures aimed at helping younger job-seekers must also be properly thought through. The feedback from recruitment professionals is that more needs to be done to equip those leaving schools and higher education with the right skills and attitude to succeed. Whatever funding is made available, a key concern for many employers is whether any new recruits can contribute effectively to the business.”
The REC will be issuing a more detailed response to today’s Budget, including reactions to specific measures that will impact on recruitment in key sectors such as construction and social care.
The five steps to boost the jobs market and to support the recruitment industry that were sent to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget were as follows:
1. Help job creation through the tax regime and maintain the Business Payment Support Service
2. Avoid adding cost and bureaucracy through more employment regulation and procurement policy
3. Actively promote flexible work options as a way back into the jobs market
4. Ensure jobseekers get the right advice and support by harnessing the contribution of the private sector
5. Address other major business issues like bad debt, late payment and lack of financing which prevent job creation
Source : REC Wednesday 22nd April 2009
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