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Published: 5-May-26 | By APSCo
Public Sector
Public Policy
Political Monitor | May 5th Edition
Seven days out from May 7, the local election campaign kicked off in earnest under the cloud of a terror attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green by a person with a history of “serous violence and mental health issues”. Number 10 is hosting an event convening leaders from across society this morning to call for action on all forms of antisemitism.
Polling ahead of elections this Thursday in England, Wales and Scotland predicts Labour and the Conservatives will have very poor election results with Reform UK set to be a big beneficiary followed by the Greens and Liberal Democrats in England. Plaid Cymru and the SNP are predicted to gain majority seats in the regional Parliaments.
Parliament, Employment Rights Act & Sector Regulation
Employment Rights Act and Sector Regulations
APSCo UK and APSCo OutSource submitted our response to the Government’s consultation on changes to Agency Workers’ Regulations. Members can read our response and Press Release here.
Parliament and Consultations
DfE: An independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges in England, led by Sir David Bell, has today launched a call for evidence, to help shape the findings and recommendations of the review.
Closing Date: 1st July 2026
King’s Speech
The next King’s Speech is on May 13 and is expected to lay around 30 to 32 bills containing the second stage of the center-left Labour Party’s legislative agenda.
Sector relevant bills expected in King’s Speech: Social care reform, tightening migration rules, introducing digital ID, and reforming health system.
Bills carried over include:
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Courts and Tribunals Bill – limiting jury trial
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Representation of the People Bill – lowering voting age to 16, ban cryptocurrency donations to political parties and cap overseas donations from British to £100K per year.
Royal Assents:
Amongst others, including the Renters’ Rights Act, the English Devolution Act received Royal Assent introducing ‘Strategic Authorities’ into law, to make it quicker to devolve powers out from Whitehall. Strategic Authorities with elected Mayors will receive more devolved powers over transport, planning, housing, and economic regeneration.
Other Announcements & Publications
Economic and Growth Policy
At a CYBER UK government hosted event the Government highlighted the importance of all companies, including SMEs focusing on managing cyber risk.
Call to action for AI companies to work with UK Government on national cyber defence - GOV.UK
Welfare: Alan Milburn is producing a report into the rise of under-25s not in employment, education or training (due in Summer), and a separate review by Disability Minister Stephen Timms into Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for sick and disabled people regardless of whether they work is due in Autumn.
Healthcare
The Government has hit their mental health staff recruitment target: Key target hit with 8,500 extra mental health workers in the NHS - GOV.UK.
We continue to await the 10 year workforce strategy, which has been expected since early Spring.
Skills: AI and Technology
Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor announced new London AI and Jobs Taskforce. This is in light of concerns around AI’s impact on London’s professional, financial and service sectors’ jobs
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Response to the Consultation on Holiday Pay Compliance and Enforcement8 September 2026
- Public Policy
