Last week it was declared that David Cameron will stay at 10 Downing Street for at least the next 5 years. The British public voted in their millions for a Conservative win. Despite what was predicted to be one of the closest elections of all time, David Cameron’s Party won 331 out of the 650 seats available, and took an overall majority.
The news seems to have gone down well with the contractor market, many believed a labour win would have been disastrous, citing Labour’s negative rhetoric regarding the recruitment industry and umbrella companies confirmed a misunderstanding of the sector, and the arrival of Ed Miliband at 10 Downing Street would have worried many contractors.
Despite the overall sense of relief, there are a number of issues David Cameron must address before he wins the full backing of the contractor market.
An intended policy which was touched on in the Conservative manifesto and is being ‘nonsensical’ by many in the recruitment industry, is the plan to rescind restrictions banning employers from hiring agency staff to provide “essential cover” during strike action. Many contractor bodies have voiced concern with this plan, trade union body TUC, are expected to mount a campaign against the proposal.
Another huge issue on the minds of many contractors and contractor bodies is the anticipated EU referendum. Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) chief executive Kevin Green said in a statement:
“An EU referendum looks certain and this could create uncertainty for businesses. Markets need stability, and our strength comes from the UK working together and as part of the EU. We will continue to advocate the UK’s ongoing membership within a reformed EU.”
Also, protecting the UK’s flexible working market is high on the agenda for the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).
Despite these issues, the Conservative victory was welcomed by many contractors and freelancers. Julia Kermode, CEO of the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA),has said she is extremely pleased that Mr Cameron and his Party have been re-elected, but added: “I would urge Mr Cameron and his government to engage with us further and acknowledge the value of contractors and freelancers as he returns to No 10.”
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