The Labour Party Conference 2025 brought together Labour members, trade unions, MPs, councillors and affiliated organisations to debate and vote on policies, discuss the party’s direction, and hear keynote speeches from party leaders. As part of the JIB’s strategic outreach, we have been working hard in the background to ensure voices of our members are heard and that government listens to the needs of industry on raising workforce standards.
On 29 September, the JIB hosted a roundtable and dinner for policymakers, unions and industry leaders attending the conference, bringing industry and government together to enhance prosperity, productivity, and safety through sectoral collective bargaining.
Chaired by Baroness Wendy Alexander, JIB’s Independent Chair, this exclusive roundtable highlighted:
- The essential role of a skilled, resilient workforce in driving growth, infrastructure and clean power
- Why raising employment and competence standards is vital for the sector’s future
- The value of collective agreements and why Government recognition of models, like the JIB, is essential for long-term workforce resilience.
We were pleased to welcome Amanda Hack MP, Graeme Downie MP and Sarah Hall MP to the constructive and lively discussion.
It was also encouraging to hear, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero championing the Government’s plans for a clean energy economy and stressing the opportunities this offers for “skilled jobs in proud professions”.
In his speech he announced:
- Tens of thousands more jobs for electricians and construction workers
- The Fair Work Charter as a condition of the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) which supports investment in the offshore wind industry
- Expansion of Great British Energy projects to install solar panels on schools, NHS sites and Ministry of Defence buildings
- Commitment to more solar, wind and nuclear power and an improved electricity grid.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer also highlighted his vision for more apprenticeship opportunities.
Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB said: “The JIB welcomes the Government’s focus on skilled jobs and fair working practices at the heart of the clean energy transition. As the UK accelerates towards net zero, electricians and other skilled professionals will play a vital role in delivering that vision. We particularly support the ambition, voiced by the Prime Minister, for more young people to pursue gold-standard apprenticeships – ensuring opportunity, fairness and excellence go hand in hand.”
The JIB is dedicated to raising standards within the electrotechnical industry through ensuring good working conditions, fair pay and strong employee benefits.
Companies who want to be recognised as providing a gold standard for employee terms, health and benefits can find out how JIB membership provides this industry recognition here. Also, available for JIB members, the JIB Skills Development Fund, provides financial support for the training and upskilling of professionals in the industry ensuring companies and their employees are supporting for essential upskilling and further career progression.
