Brexit, productivity, corporate reform and immigration policy are critical areas of debate.
Andy Dodman, chief operating officer at the University of Sheffield, says:
"Whatever the outcome of the election, our political leaders will undoubtedly spend considerable time arguing over the intricacies of Brexit. While there are agreements to be reached, we need to consider carefully our position and reputation within the global community.
"The emergence of populism has created an uneasy mood music. Whether this is nothing more than a tacit sense or something more tangible I’m not yet sure. But the incoming government must recognise this and ensure the UK embraces its rich diversity through promoting us as a welcoming nation; a place that encourages inward investment and readily enables talented people to come here to work and study.
"The next government may wish to reflect carefully on its nomenclature, tone, mode and behaviour when considering these issues. As HR practitioners, we know well that formal written policies, strategies and legislation only get us so far."
James Davies, divisional managing partner and joint head of employment at Lewis Silkin, says:
"The recent CIPD/Lewis Silkin report highlights that employers believe UK employment law represents a reasonably fair balance between the rights of employers and workers. Assuming that the election results in a victory for Theresa May as many have predicted, we are unlikely to see a major change in employment laws.
"One exception, however, may be reform of the rules on employment status. Matthew Taylor is due to complete his review on modern employment practices this month. It is foreseeable that we will then receive clarification of self-employed, worker and employee statuses with their attendant rights and obligations.
"For many HR professionals the most pressing issue will be any change to immigration policy. Any drive to reduce net migration may result in a shortage of highly skilled employees, those in shortage occupations or, in some areas, lower-skilled workers.
A Labour government, on the other hand, would almost certainly make more significant changes including the abolition of tribunal fees and increased rights for unions."
Check back tomorrow for part two of this Hot Topic
