Labour Party Conference 2026: Burnham's Vision for Britain and Labour's Growth Agenda

This week, the REC attended Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, with Interim Chief Executive Maxine Bligh and Director of Campaigns Shazia Ejaz representing recruiters and employers from across the UK.

 

It was a busy conference, marked by a noticeable sense of optimism and hope about the country's future. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, was enthusiastic about the role business can play in delivering growth and opportunity. Many delegates focused on the opportunities presented by Labour's new leadership under Andy Burnham and its ambition to drive economic growth and national renewal.

 

At the same time, there was a clear recognition of the challenges facing the economy and public services. Discussions centred on how government and business can work together to encourage investment, create jobs and improve living standards. However, business representatives also made clear that achieving these ambitions will require the right conditions for growth, with concerns raised about costs, regulation and the wider operating environment.

 

For the REC, the week provided an important opportunity to engage with Ministers, parliamentarians and stakeholders on the role recruiters play in supporting economic growth and helping people into work.

 

Ensuring the REC’s voice is heard

 

One of the highlights of the week was a constructive meeting with Kate Dearden MP, Minister for the Future of Work. Building on the positive relationship established through ongoing engagement on the Employment Rights Act, discussions focused on AI, labour market change and the opportunities and challenges facing employers.

 

The REC also continued to press its case on the Government's guaranteed hours proposals. We emphasised that agency work operates differently from other forms of work and reiterated our view that agency workers should be excluded from the guaranteed hours provisions. We also discussed how the proposals could be made more workable in practice, including reducing administrative burdens on employers, maintaining flexibility for workers who value it and avoiding unintended consequences that could discourage hiring.

 

Beyond ministerial meetings, we had valuable conversations with stakeholders from across politics, business and the employment sector. We had a brief conversation with Alan Milburn who is currently commissioned by Government to address the national crisis with youth unemployment and the growing NEET challenge. Given this focus, we highlighted concerns that poorly designed guaranteed hours legislation could discourage employers from creating entry-level opportunities and reduce important routes into work for young people.

 

Growth remains at the heart of the debate

 

Growth remained the dominant theme throughout conference, with a notable emphasis on devolution and the role of local leadership in delivering prosperity across the country.

 

Alongside growth, youth unemployment emerged as a major concern. Conversations focused on helping more young people into work, training and apprenticeships, while giving employers the confidence to create entry-level opportunities.

 

Artificial intelligence was another recurring theme. Debate centred on AI's potential to boost productivity and growth, while also recognising the challenges it presents for workers, employers and policymakers.

 

Burnham's vision captures the conference mood

 

One of the standout moments of the week was the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham's speech. Unapologetically Labour in tone, he set out a vision centred on devolution, stronger public services and growth driven by local leadership.

 

His message reflected the growing influence of metro mayors within Labour's agenda and reinforced the belief that the next phase of growth must be built from the ground up, with communities, regions and local leaders playing a greater role in shaping economic success. Themes of civic pride, local accountability and empowering regions featured prominently throughout the week.

 

 

His plans included bringing utilities back into public ownership, reducing energy costs for businesses, and establishing a National Care Service.

 

Apprenticeships and youth employment take centre stage

 

A significant moment was the Chancellor's announcement of a new mayor-led local apprenticeship service. The REC welcomed the focus on devolving skills policy, creating more pathways into work and helping young people develop the skills employers need. The proposals have the potential to simplify the apprenticeship system, improve coordination between local leaders, providers and employers, and ensure training is better aligned with local labour market needs. We also highlighted the important role recruiters can play in connecting young people, employers and training providers, helping to make local skills systems more effective and responsive to demand.

 

Turning hope into growth

 

Labour Conference 2026 demonstrated that employment, skills and workforce policy are becoming increasingly central to the Government's growth agenda.

 

From Andy Burnham's vision of devolved growth to discussions on AI, apprenticeships and youth employment, the conference highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the labour market and the role of our industry to help deliver some of the government’s main aims.

 

The continued focus on growth, tackling youth unemployment and preparing the workforce for a changing economy is needed. As policy develops ahead of the Budget and beyond, we will continue to advocate for changes to employment costs and the ERA that will enable business to help deliver a flexible, dynamic labour market that supports jobs, growth and opportunity.