Regardless of your political affiliations, it’s clear that Sir Keir Starmer’s government has hit the ground running. Labour has barely been in power for less than a month, and we’ve already seen the launch of several new policies, and a clear intent to reshape the overall direction of the UK. While this is an exciting time for the nation as a whole, for professionals operating within the world of policy, it also means a shift in the hiring market and more demand for specific skills. But how will the dawn of a new era for the UK impact policy and public affairs recruitment?

Policy and public affairs recruitment

As we’ve outlined in recent blogs, Labour’s intentions have been fairly apparent for some time, however details on specific policies have been less clear until after the election. The new government’s proactive stance over the first weeks of its tenure has been marked by a flurry of policy announcements and initiatives designed to tackle some of the pressing issues impacting the UK. This energy has already led to a more dynamic environment for professionals, who are ultimately the ones who will shape and implement future policies.

What areas has the new government focused its attention on?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there has been a real focus on tackling the myriad issues facing the healthcare sector. Labour’s flagship focus was on reforming the NHS and this is perhaps where the brunt of policy and public affairs demand will be focused, at least in the short term. The new government has already halted the junior doctor strikes, and has launched plans designed to reduce waiting times, improve standards of patient care and increase funding for mental health services. All of these transformational changes will be impossible to deliver without the expertise of specialist professionals, so expect to see significant and increasing demand for healthcare policy experts in particular in the coming weeks.

Great British Energy

Another of Sir Keir Starmer’s key proposals was the relaunch of several policies designed to support the push to Net Zero. This includes the launch of ‘Great British Energy’ a state-owned clean energy company designed to lower energy bills and enhance energy security and independence. On top of this, they have also pledged £6.6 billion, over five years, to bolster home insulation and reduce costs for low-income households. As this is still a developing and relatively fledgling market, policy and public affairs professionals, and those with broader climate change and renewable expertise, could be in demand as governing bodies look to recruit the skills they need to deliver eco-friendly policies.

Housebuilding spree

The new government also plans to build 1.5 million new homes, largely driven by a comprehensive reform of the existing, and often-criticised planning process. This growth will be particularly focused on so-called ‘grey belt’ areas and is designed to alleviate housing shortages and stimulate economic growth. Housebuilding and planning have been left fairly unchanged in recent years, meaning that policy professionals with knowledge of the planning process in the UK could be set to benefit from new opportunities. Employers could look to recruit from the private sector or existing talent pools within the public sphere, although those with experience in delivering programmes of change and transformation will be in even greater demand than most.

Outside of these fields, the education sector is another area to come under the spotlight. Labour has announced plans to reduce educational disparities and to encourage more teachers into the profession, which will be partly funded by tax changes on private education providers. As you might imagine, this is another field where policy professionals could be set to benefit in the coming months, as an overhaul of this scale will require significant negotiation and influence to get it across the line. Social justice is also likely to transform, with the introduction of James Timpson, CEO and founder of the eponymous repair retailer, as prison minister signalling Labour’s intention to shift the dial in criminal rehabilitation and reform.

Whatever the area of expertise, professionals across the policy landscape are set to be in heightened demand in the coming months. As we have outlined in some of our recent blogs, those with the ability to analyse often-complex data and collaborate with stakeholders across government, non-profits, private sector stakeholders, and the public will benefit even more than most. If you’re looking for your next policy and public affairs role, then speak to our expert team who will help you find the right position for you at this exciting time for the market.

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