Fair, skilled and innovative work for Wales: CIPD 2026 manifesto

The last decade has been characterised by considerable upheaval across politics, society and the economy. From an unprecedented pandemic, through the cost-of-living crisis, to major geopolitical shifts, instability has become a defining feature of working life. Looking ahead, the next decade is unlikely to bring a return to stability. Instead, employers will need to continue adapting at pace, supported by HR practitioners and guided by CIPD insight and resources.

At the same time, policy-makers in Westminster and the Senedd have a crucial role to play in ensuring public policy is aligned to labour market needs. This manifesto sets out CIPD’s priority areas for Wales, focusing on job quality, skills and innovation as key drivers of a productive economy that works for all.

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Key Findings

This manifesto sets out the CIPD’s priorities for policy-makers for strengthening the Welsh labour market in the face of major economic, social and technological change. It highlights key challenges and outlines practical recommendations to support fairer, more skilled and more innovative workplaces across Wales. Areas the report covers in detail are as follows:

The key megatrends shaping work, including demographic change, generative AI and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The evolving policy environment, from rising business costs to the biggest employment law changes in a generation.
Fair work and job quality, and how improving work can boost wellbeing, performance and productivity across Wales.
Skilled work, including apprenticeships, upskilling and a stronger, more responsive skills system.
Innovative work and responsible adoption of AI, with a focus on boosting people management capability and supporting SMEs to grow.
The opportunity for Wales, ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, to build a fairer, more productive economy that works for all.