New Labour government puts Breaking Down Barriers at the heart of first Kings Speech
The newly elected Labour government - led by Keir Starmer - has put breaking down barriers to opportunity at the heart of the Kings Speech, which set out the government’s policy platform for the coming year.
Last year, the Purpose Coalition launched the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, led by former Member of Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet Nick Forbes. The Commission plays a leading role in shaping the policy agenda and the role that businesses and organisations can play as responsible parts of society for their customers, colleagues and in local communities.
In a bid to raise educational standards and support those impacted by the pandemic, the government outlined measures including improving educational standards and promoting the good health and wellbeing for children. The government says this legislation is part of a broader strategy to help people return to employment and thrive in a post-pandemic economy.
The government will also establish Skills England, a new organisation tasked with developing a highly trained workforce to meet future needs. This will be complemented by reforms to the apprenticeship levy, aiming to make it easier for businesses to invest in the training and development of their employees.
The new Labour government also reaffirmed its commitment to achieving equality through diversity and inclusion by pledging to introduce legislation that will fully enshrine the right to equal pay in law. This party says it wants to eliminate the gender pay gap in the medium term.
The government will aim to make these Bills - alongside dozens more - law over the next year in Parliament.
Over the months and years ahead, the Commission will continue to shape the role that businesses and organisations can play as responsible parts of society for their customers, colleagues and in local communities, and works with organisations such as the BBC, UK Power Networks, bp, Virgin Money, Co-op Group, Travelodge, Centrica, Leonardo, Sodexo, Pennon Group, Channel 4, Reed, Hitachi, Reed, Royal Mail, E.ON, NHS Trusts, Councils and Universities amongst others.
