July 2023
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This conference focused on the practical way forward for tackling shortages in UK labour market, filling skills gaps and securing the workforce pipeline.
The agenda brought out the latest thinking, policy developments, case studies in best practice, and implications for key stakeholders - looking at:
- the education, skills and apprenticeships system
- labour migration, visas and the Review of the Shortage Occupation List
- re-entry into the labour market, and occupational health
- improving workforce retention
- the future for the technology sector, AI and automation
It took place with:
- research from the ONS suggesting that the UK workforce has shrunk by around 177,000 people since a pre-pandemic peak, and high vacancy levels despite low unemployment
- reform to the technical education system and government measures to increase the role of employers, including the introduction of T Levels, alongside reforms to qualifications at level 2 and below, and level 3
- heightened focus on the impact of migration on the domestic labour market, as the Migration Advisory Committee conducts a Review of the Shortage Occupation List, with the call for evidence now closed
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Professor Brian Bell, Chair, Migration Advisory Committee; David Freeman, Head of Labour Market and Households, Office for National Statistics; and Anna West, Deputy Director, Skills System & Oversight, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
The agenda brought out latest thinking, policy developments, case studies in best practice, and implications for key stakeholders, looking at:
- the UK labour market: data on economic inactivity and current shortages - forecasts on future demographic change and economic impacts
- education and skills: priorities for reform to respond to current and future shortages - technical education - the future of the apprenticeship levy - improving careers education and guidance
- migrant labour: immigration and visa policy - the future role of international talent in filling labour market gaps - the ongoing Review of the Shortage Occupation List
- labour market re-entry: addressing long-term sickness - strategies for prevention - workplace culture and practices - access to workplace health checks, occupational health services and support
- retention: changing employee expectations - labour market competition - recruitment strategies and offers - workforce participation - job quality, pay, benefits, conditions and progression
- automation: the future role of AI, machine learning and innovative technology in tackling labour market shortages
- priorities: next steps for policy and stakeholder action - tackling labour market shortages and promoting economic activity
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; DAERA, NI; Dstl; DBT; DfE; Department for the Economy, NI; DESNZ; DSIT; DfT; DWP; Department of Finance, NI; FCDO; HMPPS; Home Office; IPO; MAC; NCA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
