Your June gap insight is here!

Hello and welcome to another edition of gap insight, your go to resource for all things industrial. With the general election on 4th July and a long-awaited break in the clouds bringing sunshine our way, there’s definitely a buzz in the air! Stay tuned for the latest updates across the sector.

A bit of gap news...

We're excited to share that Gap Healthcare, one of our divisions, has been recognised as a supplier on the Workforce Alliance Clinical and Healthcare Staffing Framework (RM6281). The framework is managed by the NHS London Procurement?Partnership (LPP) and is part of the NHS Workforce Alliance. By teaming up with NHS Procurement in Partnership and Crown Commercial Services, the alliance combines expertise, resources, and reach to tackle the challenges in the health sector and support a sustainable NHS workforce.

You can find us on the Supplier List?here. For more details about the NHS Workforce Alliance and LPP, check out the?NHS London Procurement Partnership?and?NHS Workforce Alliance Info.

In Employment…

After overriding the Conservatives across public polls, the Labour party is the current favourite to win at the general election. Ben Smith, Senior Associate at leading employment law firm GQ|Littler, has highlighted the most significant employment law changes that businesses should prepare for if a Labour Government comes to power. These include banning “fire and rehire”, boosting collective bargaining rights, and strengthening protections against maternity and menopause discrimination and sexual harassment.

Labour also plans to grant unfair dismissal and other key rights from day one, ban zero-hours contracts, and introduce new protections for working parents.

It’s worth noting that Labour have claimed that these changes will happen within 100 days of being elected, so make sure you’re clear on what might be in store under a Labour government – it could mean changes to existing procedures and policies, particularly those relating to disciplinary and dismissal processes, as well as equality and diversity.

Latest Employment Data...

Recent data from the UK Labour Force Survey indicates a mixed picture for the labour market. From March to April 2024, payrolled employees fell by 36,000, though there was an annual increase of 201,000. Preliminary estimates for May 2024 show a monthly drop of 3,000 but an annual rise of 167,000, reaching 30.3 million. The employment rate for February to April 2024 was 74.3%, a decline from the previous year. The unemployment rate increased to 4.4%, while the economic inactivity rate rose to 22.3%. Job vacancies fell by 12,000 in the first quarter of 2024 to 904,000. Wages saw an annual increase of 6.0% in regular earnings and 5.9% in total earnings from February to April 2024. Real wage growth, after adjusting for inflation, was 2.3% for regular pay and 2.2% for total pay. April 2024 recorded 17,000 working days lost due to labour disputes, highlighting ongoing challenges.

For more details, read the full ONS labour market report.

In FMCG…

Farming and food production are hot topics in the run up to the election, sparked by protests over low returns and food security. Whilst Labour promises a "new deal for farmers," less red tape, and better animal welfare, the Conservatives are doubling down on food security by pledging some significant goals in addition to ￡1bn more for farming. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto points to protection for both producers and consumers, as well as setting food security targets, and the Green Party is pushing for financial support for farmers and linking Farm payments to the reduced use of pesticides and other agro-chemicals.

Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Co-op, and Tesco have been accused of "misleading" bakery marketing claims by the Real Bread Campaign, in a campaign by Sustain, an alliance advocating for better food and farming in the UK. Sainsbury’s is under fire for allegedly false claims that its bakery items are ‘freshly made every day’, while Lidl’s “baked for you throughout the day” statment is being challenged because the supermarket merely reheats pre-made products for a crispier appearance. Co-op and Tesco are also facing similar accusations. The campaign is calling for honest marketing and transparency, urging supermarkets to stop?loafingaround regarding their actual baking processes.?

In Manufacturing…

Hot on the heels of the general election announcement, engineers have urged the next UK government to adopt a long-term strategy focused on engineering, innovation, research, and manufacturing. The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC), led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the need for collaboration between policymakers and experts to tackle big issues such as climate change and AI regulation. Backed by 42 organisations representing over 700,000 engineers, the NEPC wants to boost the economy through innovation, support for small businesses, and strategic investments. They recommend making the UK more business-friendly, promoting sustainable growth, committing to net zero, and upgrading infrastructure.?

With a general election nearly upon us and the strong possibility of a new government, rest assured that we are prepared to tackle any new regulations and integrate them into our business practices as quickly as possible. Remember those initial concerns about AWR? Well, we adapted and made it work seamlessly. And we’re confident we can do the same with any upcoming post election changes! Watch this space ??

In Waste and recycling …

UK clean tech company Altilium and recycling specialists Enva are partnering to collect and recycle EV batteries in the UK. Enva will use its nationwide collection network, while Altilium will handle the recycling using its EcoCathode process, which recovers over 95% of battery metals for reuse, cutting carbon emissions by 60% and costs by 20%. Altilium’s Programme Director for end-of-life batteries, Rod Savage, highlighted that the partnership will help secure feedstock for their upcoming recycling facility in Teesside and supports Enva’s business evolution.

In Warehousing…

Despite limited sunshine this summer, the UKWA’s campaign to promote solar power on warehouse rooftops shows promise. Green energy is a hot topic in the upcoming general election, with Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer promising a ‘clean energy plan’ and the creation of GB Energy in Scotland if elected on 4th July.

And although the election has delayed the UKWA’s Solar Roadmap, the organisation has reiterated its commitment to advocating for policies that support solar initiatives, with their general election Manifesto urging the next government to continue the work of the Solar Taskforce and speed up the decarbonisation of the electricity network.

Whilst we’re on the subject of the UKWA’s general election manifesto, let’s delve into their remaining key demands, which include appointing a dedicated Logistics Minister to champion the industry's interests, fostering innovation to drive efficiency and competitiveness, reforming the planning system to better accommodate logistics infrastructure, and enhancing qualifications within the warehousing sector. The UKWA are also advocating for strategic partnerships aimed at promoting logistics jobs, nurturing the development and adoption of UK-based technological solutions, and restructuring business rates to ensure fairness across the sector. At a recent parliamentary reception, UKWA chief Clare Bottle stressed the critical need for a unified government approach to support warehousing, emphasising that such support is vital not only for sustainable growth but also for maintaining the strength of the economy.

Events and Webinars

RRT Benefits

Online event: 3rd July 2024

Register?here.?

ALP webinar - Working in Partnership with your Jobcentre

Online event: 5th July 2024

Register here.

ALP Academy - Preventing Illegal Working and Ensuring Effective Right to Work Policies

Online event: 23rd Jul 2024 10:00 - 13:00 BST

Get your tickets here

UKWA East Anglia Roadshow: Save the date

23rd July 2024

More info here.

ALP Academy - Complying with GLAA Licensing Standards

Online event: 5th Sept 2027

Get your tickets here

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