With the election imminent, which of the three main parties offers policies most sympathetic to employers and workers? And with talk rife about possible coalitions, which colours will offer the most attractive blend? Here, the parties outline their plans and CIPD chief economic adviser John Philpott casts a critical eye over their proposals.


The topics

The economy

Employment legislation

Skills, jobs and employability

Family-friendly policies

Ageing workers and pensions

Business and the bonus culture

Diversity

Contributors: The party teams
The party policy on the above topics has been written exclusively for People Management by the following teams:

LABOUR
Liam Byrne, chief secretary to the Treasury; Yvette Cooper, secretary of state for work and pensions; Angela Eagle, minister for pensions and the ageing society; Lord Young, minister for postal affairs and employment relations

CONSERVATIVES
Mark Harper, shadow minister for disabled people; Maria Miller, shadow minister for the family; John Penrose, shadow minister for business, enterprise and regulatory reform

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Lorely Burt, shadow minister for business, enterprise and regulatory reform; Vince Cable, shadow chancellor; Steve Webb, shadow secretary for work and pensions; Stephen Williams, shadow secretary for innovation, universities and skills