The Manifesto for Work calls for all parties to address issues such as productivity, diversity and skills shortages. It suggests measures such as extending the personal tax-free allowance so that workers on national minimum wage will eventually pay no income tax.
CIPD head of public policy Ben Willmott told HR magazine this can only be achieved with a concerted effort to increase workplace productivity.
"There is a great amount of rhetoric from all parties around this area," he said. "We have seen efforts to address it in the past but talk hasn't been followed by positive action. Until that happens it will not be possible to take the necessary action on low pay."
Willmott added that any future government will also have to address the number of low-skilled jobs in the UK, explaining that the skills challenges in the country are "as much about demand as supply".
"There is a significant issue with low-paid roles," he said. "Currently 25% of jobs in this country require no higher education. We need to get employers to start investing in human capital. Only by implementing progressive HR policies and good corporate governance will this happen."
The report suggests a Workplace Commission should be set up to support employers in improving their workplace practices.
CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese said this would help businesses, policymakers and individuals "to understand the changing nature of work, the requirements and needs of the workforce and the changing workplace".
