2024 Manifesto
At OutSource we are focused on the policy reform needed to deliver better workplaces. Technological innovation including AI is driving huge, impactful change across the labour market globally with the skills and attributes needed for jobs changing at pace and we see skills-based hiring can raise inclusivity and manage change. With our members’ expertise and unique position in the value chain supporting businesses and the public sector to hire people, whether permanently, as agency workers or contractors, we are key to the United Kingdom’s economic success.
Productivity depends on the right workplace regulatory environment, opportunities and protections for workers, and a plan to address skills shortages. Our 2024 Manifesto – Tackling the Professional Skills Crisis has recommendations on appropriate regulation, training, inclusion, and digital technology, designed to raise efficiency and drive economic growth.
We have prepared precedent letters for members to write to their MPs to share our recommendations more broadly.
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Staffing Regulation
APSCo proposes a series of reforms to the regulatory environment designed to protect individual workers, drive economic growth, and maximise productivity.
APSCo recommends:
- Defining self-employed status in legislation, reviewing Off Payroll and IR35.
- Regulating umbrella companies.
- Excluding highly paid contractors from the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.
- Requiring reasonable payment terms throughout supply chains.
- Developing more sustainable supply chains for the NHS workforce with a compliance focus.
Skills & Talent
More should be done to overcome the skills shortages in the economy by upskilling the workforce.
APSCo recommends:
- Broadening the scope of the Apprenticeship Levy, in particular more flexible modular training, to align with skills needs.
- Develop a coordinated national strategy with more employer financial support.
- Introducing flexible short-term visas for the highly skilled including a rescoping of work permitted under the Standard Visitor Visa.
- A greater focus on services and skilled immigration in trade deals.
Workforce Fairness
Following the changes to the way we live and work since the pandemic, a new policy focus is needed to ensure legislation keeps up with the speed of change in hiring and working practices and workers’ rights.
APSCo recommends:
- Legislating to support the move to "skills-based hiring".
- Legislating to encourage people to stay in and rejoin the workplace, including greater tax incentives on occupational health, mental health and health screening budgets.
Harnessing Technology
APSCo believes that when combined with a focus on skills-based recruitment, technology can be used to enhance opportunities for good work and drive economic growth.
APSCo recommends:
- Introducing recognised, auditable standards for the use of AI in recruitment.
- Making AI developers and technology providers accountable for the transparency and fairness of their technologies, including through clear routes of redress.
- Ensuring UK regulation is in alignment with global regulatory evolution.
To discuss our recommendations in more detail, don't hesitate to contact our Global Public Policy Director, Tania Bowers - [email protected].
