Understanding what Labour is planning for employment and skills

In October 2023, Labour set out its policy programme following its ‘National Policy Forum’ (NPF) process, with proposals on skills, immigration and employment law reform confirmed as official party policy ahead of the General Election.

Over the past year the CBI has undertaken considerable member engagement on Labour’s proposals. This process has identified eight areas of particular interest to business.

Labour has responded to the CBI’s calls for skills and immigration system reform

1. Labour has committed to turning the Apprenticeship Levy into a Skills and Growth Levy.

This will allow businesses to spend up to half of their Levy contributions on a broader range of training. Labour also intends to introduce a national body, Skills England, to oversee skills policy and to devolve adult education and skills budgets to Metro Mayors and combined authorities.

Businesses have welcomed this proposal, although many have suggested that Labour should go further by allowing businesses full flexibility in how t