ERSA statement on the General Election result

Commenting on the General Election result, ERSA’s Chief Executive, Kirsty McHugh, Said:

“ERSA looks forward to working with the new government to ensure that we have a robust labour market that delivers for everyone. The election result points to the need for a much stronger domestic policy focus and the next government needs to focus urgently on welfare support, low pay, social mobility and opportunities for young people if it is to deliver a comprehensive Brexit deal that works across society. ERSA’s election ‘Minifesto’ points to some of the solutions that we believe should now be prioritised.

“ERSA believes that the new government should develop an agenda that demonstrates leadership on the great domestic issues of the day, underpinned by a welfare system that can deliver transformational impact by supporting communities across the country. At the heart of this will be setting in train planning for its proposed Shared Prosperity Fund while also ensuring we fully allocate all of the crucial 2014-2020 European Social Fund pot. Additionally, to solve the UK’s great productivity challenges, the government should establish an independent in-work progression service, while also ensuring that all jobseekers are guaranteed access to high quality specialist employment support. ERSA also believes that the new government should go one better than the Conservative’s manifesto and maintain its previous laudable commitment to halving the disability employment gap.

“The message from the electorate is clear: the government must refocus its activities, prioritising its domestic agenda. Only then will the government be able to secure a stronger post-Brexit Britain.”