REC launches commission with a vision for UK’s labour market

In the wake of last week’s General Election, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has announced the ‘Future of Jobs commission’, a strategic review to help recruiters and employers prepare for emerging labour market challenges.

Chaired by former employment minister and now Member of Parliament for Tatton, The Rt Hon Esther McVey MP, the Future of Jobs commission brings together leading employers, academics and labour market experts, including the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), Nesta, Adecco and Tech City UK.

The commission is tasked with outlining a vision for the UK labour market, exploring existing and emerging challenges, and detailing opportunities for employers and the recruitment industry.

In addition to providing practical recommendations for recruitment business leaders, the commission aims to offer new insight to the UK government about the impact of demographic and technological changes on the jobs market, and to inform policy responses. The commission will publish its findings in October 2017.

The Rt Hon Esther McVey MP, Chair of the REC Future of Jobs commission, said: “With the pace of change accelerating, there has never been a more important time to take stock of what a future jobs market might mean for individuals, employers and for policy makers. As well as looking at big picture issues like technology and demographic change, we want to build a clear view of what changes will mean in practice for the way businesses hire staff, and the way people access the jobs market.

“I am delighted to be chairing the Future of Jobs commission which will not only pre-empt future developments, but also articulate a clear vision of what a vibrant and inclusive future jobs market should look like.”

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green added: “Recruiters and their clients are facing seismic changes as they adapt to issues such as Brexit, skills shortages, automation and artificial intelligence. The REC has a history of bringing together leading thinkers to tackle big labour market questions, from youth employment to flexible work. This new commission aims to provide recruiters, employers and policymakers with clarity and direction so that businesses can plan for the future and continue to thrive.”