Polls opened this morning for the second general election in 25 months – during which time there was also the referendum on membership of the EU.

The Labour Party has committed to creating 1m “high skilled, high paid” jobs over the course of the next Parliament if elected. It also said it would give all workers equal rights from day one, whether part or full time, temporary or permanent.

Conservative manifesto pledges included to create 3m apprenticeships for young people by 2020; and to set aside significant numbers of visas for workers in strategically important sectors, such as digital technology.

Trade bodies the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) said whoever won the election, change was needed.

APSCo director of operations Samantha Hurley told Recruiter: “We would point to the large numbers of highly skilled migrants needed to fulfil niche, specialist roles in this country – often on a ‘just in time’ basis.

“We are asking for expedited visa processes to ensure continued access to these key skills and also that the visa applications should be able to be obtained by recruitment firms so that they can deliver services on client sites.” 

She also called for reform of the Apprenticeship Levy. 

“There are 4.5m self-employed and independent professionals working in the UK. We believe that the levy pot should be able to be transferred to engagers or employers so that these vital contributors to the UK’s economy can benefit from it.”

Hurley called for appointment of a minister with specific responsibility for self-employed and independent professionals. “We need someone looking out for the best interests of this extremely productive part of the UK labour market.”

The REC pointed to its plea last month for recruiters to engage MPs elected today on the “huge issues” facing the jobs market.

Referring back to its statement in May by director of policy Tom Hadley: “By working in collaboration with our industry and the wider business community, the next government can build the best jobs market in the world. 

“We want policies designed to improve the employability and skills of our young people, and to boost inclusion for underrepresented groups. We also need an immigration system that will help not hinder employers, as they seek the skills and talent they need. 
 
“The REC will work with whoever forms the new government to deliver an aspirational vision for jobs. A dynamic and agile labour market will drive social well-being as well as economic success, because jobs transform lives and good people transform businesses.” 

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