“Today’s labour market statistics show that there is still much to do to address business concerns about the direction of travel. Across the year, firms have been communicating confidence about their own firms but worries about the outlook. These firms want to drive growth, but for now are feeling the impacts of the increase in Employers National Insurance and are worried about the undercooked Employment Rights Bill. Today’s figures show a 1.5% increase in the number of temporary employees – a confirmation again of how much businesses and workers need flexibility especially when the economy is uncertain.
“NHS employment rising is only good if it is addressing waiting lists - Government risks damaging progress by failing to plan for workforce properly, including a sustainable strategy for agency. From keeping the NHS on its feet to helping people find their first steps in work, government needs to embrace the many ways in which people work today if it is to be successful. Backing temporary workers matters to our economy – but most of all to the temps themselves.”
