The General Election 2017
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks you’ll be aware that there’s a general election on the horizon. Indeed, by this time next month we’ll have discovered who will be leading us through Brexit, and running the country for the subsequent four years – and we’ll be learning to make the best of our futures, regardless of the outcome of the vote. Although you may have a pretty good idea of which side you’ll favour for based on prior affiliations, very few people understand how the results of the election are actually likely to affect British businesses. Well, isn’t that what an election is all about? Sure, the major parties all have their manifestos, but at this time it’s unclear how many of those policies will be fulfilled – or what they mean for small setups, independent businesses, and franchises.
We live during uncertain times, and the impending impact of Brexit certainly isn’t helping matters. We’ve taken a moment to compile what we do know about the upcoming election and certain parties’ promises, in an effort to ensure that our clients and partners are able to face their vote with even a small amount of confidence.
The Conservatives
During an interview with BBC’s Newsnight Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green refused to confirm a £9 per hour living wage, despite the Conservatives pledging to raise the national living wage up to 60% of median earnings by 2020. Alongside a pledge to increase workers’ rights Theresa May’s party has promised to cap energy prices, convert more schools into grammar establishments, and cut immigration; very few of their policies relate directly to British businesses and their workers – well, as of the time of writing, that is. Committed as ever to Brexit, Theresa May is pledging to leave the single market and seek a new customs agreement with the customs union.
Labour
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has made no secret of his desire to raise the national minimum wage, and has pledged to lift the amount to £10 per hour should his party find themselves in power come the 9th June. Other leaked manifesto pledges include repealing the Trade Union Act, ending the 1% pay cap for NHS staffers, increased protection against discrimination in the workplace, a ban on zero hours contracts, and four new bank holidays per year – not to mention the promise of a ‘meaningful’ vote on the terms of Brexit, and the prioritisation of European trade. Labour’s manifesto, it appears, is firmly centered on the British worker, and the rights of small British businesses versus their overseas competitors.
The Liberal Democrats
Tim Farron’s party has promised to end the public sector pay squeeze, hold a second Brexit referendum, dedicate £1million to mental health services, and offer a full month of paternity leave to new dads. The Lib Dems are committed to keeping the UK in the single market, raising corporation tax by 20%, and tackling recruitment issues within the armed forces, as well as protecting workers’ pensions, and introducing compulsory reporting on the ethnicity pay gap.
You can read more about the parties’ General Election pledges here; the BBC will be keeping British businesses abreast of developments until the election. Many media outlets and market experts are predicting that the general election will benefit businesses; it’s believed that the election, and the subsequent implementation of a new, or stronger majority government, will offer British businesses a clearer idea of practices and policy. We may not be able to agree on the kind of Brexit we favour, but stronger mandate from a newly elected government will make it clear, once and for all, what our futures hold.
Brits are renowned for their dislike of uncertainty and change, but are also rather adept at handling whatever life throws at us – whether we complain or not is another matter. One thing you can be certain of is our dedication to your business. If you’re in need of call logging or call recording software be sure to contact us or give us a call on 0333 0022 440; we’ll be waiting to restore your confidence in your business’s abilities.