How Will the Upcoming Elections Impact Hiring?

As the election season approaches, one critical question looms large for many businesses: how will the election impact hiring? Historically, the consensus has been that businesses tend to hold off on hiring during election seasons due to the inherent uncertainty they bring. Without knowing who will be in power six months from now, many firms adopt a “wait and see” approach, particularly in highly regulated industries where policy changes can significantly affect operations.

A man and a woman are shaking hands in front of a window.

The Current Market Context

But will this election be any different? The market has been challenging for a while, with firms already slow to act. This hesitation can be partly attributed to the anticipation of the upcoming election, coupled with uncertainty about the exact timing. Now that the election dates are clear, there's a possibility that businesses might feel more confident in making decisions, operating on their best guesses rather than indefinite uncertainty.

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Polls and Predictions

If we take pollsters at their word, this election might not hold as much uncertainty as previous ones. The prevailing expectation is that Labour will win, with the primary question being the extent of their victory. However, it's worth noting that predictions can be wrong, and political outcomes can be unpredictable.

A woman is putting a ballot in a ballot box.

Potential Policy Impacts

Even assuming a Labour victory, the anticipated impact on hiring might be minimal. Labour isn’t proposing major economy-shifting policies that could create widespread uncertainty. Unlike 1997, when Labour had greater flexibility and more ambitious plans, the current economic situation constrains their ability to make drastic changes. This means that, despite a potential substantial majority, the overall economic policies may remain relatively stable, reducing the impact on hiring practices.

A pile of binders stacked on top of each other.

What’s Next?

Ultimately, only time will tell how the upcoming elections will influence hiring. Businesses may still exercise caution until the election results are finalised and the new government’s policies are clearer. However, given the current market conditions and the likely political outcomes, the impact might be less significant than in previous years.

For tailored recruitment solutions and expert guidance in this evolving landscape, contact us at Barker Ross. Partner with us to successfully navigate the post-election employment environment.

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Your Temporary Staffing Partner Should Make Operations Easier — Not Harder

By Michelle Toulouse • February 18, 2026

For many industrial and manufacturing businesses, temporary labour is essential. But when your agency isn’t delivering the right people, responding quickly, or understanding your operation, the impact shows up fast: Production delays Overtime costs Management time spent firefighting Pressure on your permanent team Temporary staffing should reduce operational stress — not add to it. The Real Challenge Employers Face Many businesses tell us the same thing when they come to Barker Ross: “We’ve tried multiple agencies.” “The people turn up, but the quality is inconsistent.” “When there’s a problem, we struggle to get it resolved quickly.” “It feels transactional, not like a partnership.” In today’s labour market — with rising wage costs and tighter margins — reliability matters more than ever. Why One Client Chose Barker Ross Before working with us, this client met with several agencies to find the right fit. Their feedback: “From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross.” The difference wasn’t just candidate supply. It was: Honest conversations about availability and expectations Fast, efficient delivery A genuine effort to understand their operation and culture A relationship-led approach from day one Because Things Don’t Always Go to Plan Even with the best screening processes, issues can occasionally arise in any temporary workforce. What matters is the response. The client shared: “We have had some minor issues with agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible.” Our approach focuses on: Immediate action Clear communication Rapid replacement when needed Ongoing performance monitoring For operations teams, that means minimal disruption and maximum continuity. The Result Today, the client benefits from: Consistent temporary staffing A dedicated account manager who understands their business Faster problem resolution Confidence in daily workforce planning Their recommendation: “I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross.” What Makes Barker Ross Different? We focus on what operational leaders actually need: Dedicated account management Sector expertise in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and food production Pre-screened, work-ready candidates Fast response and proactive communication Long-term partnerships, not short-term placements Because reliable staffing isn’t about filling shifts. It’s about protecting your operation. Is Your Current Agency Supporting Your Operation — or Adding Risk? If you’re experiencing: Frequent no-shows or performance issues Slow response times High management time spent resolving problems Multiple agencies but inconsistent results It may be time to review your staffing partner. "Working with Ellie has been an absolute pleasure. In the lead up to working with Barker Ross, we were looking to recruit temporary staff for our business and had met with a few different agencies to ascertain which would fit best with our ethos. From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross. Ellie is honest, efficient and is able to deliver an excellent service. Above all, she is kind and is able to build a strong relationship with ease. We have had some minor issues with members of agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible. I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross". Let’s Talk If you’re planning ahead for 2026, managing rising labour costs, or simply want more reliable support, Barker Ross can help. Speak to us today or request a no-obligation workforce review to identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce operational pressure.