Patrick Milnes

🗣️@BCC_Patrick: "Wage growth is being propped up by the public sector and the number of unemployed people per vacancy now sits at 2.6, the highest in more than 10 years, outside the pandemic." Read Patrick's full take on the latest @ONS data on jobs.👇 britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/02/g…

It might be a throwaway line to the Secretary of State, but the accusation here against people amongst our membership who are keeping the NHS on the road needs proper scrutiny. (1/)

Pleased to give evidence to the Employment Bill Committee in the House of Commons, raising concerns that @recmembers have about the plans with the Government Minister, Opposition and backbenchers. @RECPress uniquely positioned to represent talent, staffing & recruitment firms.

Using technology to improve public services is laudable. But tech is only as good as the people using it. We've got to take a deeper look at how people are recruited and retained into the NHS, and across the public sector. We're ready to work with government on this. #Budget24

This #Budget24 is trying to walk a careful line. But if your key goal is growth, those growth forecasts don't look great. The NI rise is huge, and will affect the ability of firms to invest. It will also eat a lot of the additional public service funding. (1/)

An NHS staffing plan that includes a review of the inefficient procurement frameworks which drive last-minute and short-term solutions for hiring agency staff should also urgently be addressed.

This afternoon, the Government published the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) – a key part of Labour’s plan to "Make Work Pay". From zero-hours contracts to day-one dismissal rights, this Bill could bring significant changes to the world of work from 2026 onwards. But what does it mean for the recruitment industry? Find out more? 👉 bit.ly/4dHxUSQ

Speaking on the government #MakeWorkPayPlan, @RECNeil said: “Government must work with businesses to avoid changes that disincentivise hiring, and be clear about timetables, expectations and ensuring that rules will be enforced properly to ensure a level playing field." Read

Responding to the publication of the full Employment Rights Bill this afternoon, @RECNeil said: “There is good news in the timescale for delivery, and in the commitment to consultation, as much of the most important detail is yet to be worked out. This should calm business fears

Today, we launch our new campaign, highlighting the vital role played by people working flexibly - and why it works for them. As we face big changes with new tech, and a government with a big regulatory agenda, hearing their voice matters. (1/)

Every day in the UK around 1 million temporary workers support the economy. They are remarkable people, doing remarkable things. Meet Ikenna, Clare and Jan, just 3 of these remarkable people and find out why #TempWorkWorks Watch their stories: bit.ly/4e8CAC8

Meet Clare. Thanks to temp work, she can run her own radiography training business. Or Ikenna, who thanks to temp work can chase his Hollywood dream. For Jan, temp work has enabled her to return to work and manage her health. Watch their stories: bit.ly/4ebgYFj

Our Voice of the Worker campaign is underpinned by our survey of 520 temp agency workers in Britain, where we asked why agency work matters to them. #TempWorkWorks View the full infographic and find out more 👉 bit.ly/3X5kVEq

RT @RECmembers: Neil Carberry joined industry experts from @CBItweets, @britishchambers , @CIPD, trade union representatives and key govern…

Lots to like today - commitment to partnership, reforming the apprenticeship levy, and focus on growth. But the successful labour market changes of this century have involved businesses and unions in co-design of the practicalities, and we need that now.

With a decisive mandate in hand, this new government has goodwill from businesses and support for its core goal – getting growth and prosperity flowing across the UK. Only business can deliver this – so a strong partnership is necessary. (1/)

Isn't it time we had #LabourLaws fit for the future? 🤔 Some of our existing labour laws need updating to accommodate how more and more people want to work now – flexibly and with the help of agencies. Read our recommendations 👉 ow.ly/he7450RQGSu #RECLabourLaws

Clearly was having a great time at the @NewStatesman Path to Power Conference earlier this week. Always interesting to hear Labour's vision for the UK, particularly around growth and productivity in the labour market. Plenty to consider in the coming months #NSPath2Power

A proper Industrial Strategy is crucial for the future of the UK labour market. Very interesting to hear some of Labour's plans around this from @LabourSJ this afternoon.