News and features

Fri, 23 Jan 2009

Working Futures report 'helps target skills training'

John Denham believes a report produced by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills will help to ensure workers are equipped with the skills to suit the economic times.

Skills secretary John Denham has highlighted the importance of the Working Futures report issued by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

According to Mr Denham, the research is significant in the context of ensuring Britain's labour force is well placed to meet the demands of the economy of the future.

It will further assist attempts to prepare workers for when the economy begins to recover so they are best able to take advantage of job opportunities which come their way.

While the economy is currently in a state of flux, some sectors are expected to remain robust and it is in these areas that there are likely to be the greatest need for people with suitable qualifications.

The report suggests the computing and financial, distribution and transport, non-marketed services and construction sectors are the best place to weather the economic turmoil and record growth.

"Today's report from the UKCES is a welcome addition to the work we have been doing to make sure that our workforce is best placed to take advantage of the upturn when it comes," Mr Denham commented.

"In the short term we are making sure that people who lose their jobs have access to the real help they need. But we must not lose sight of the future needs of our economy and do all we can to help people get the secure career jobs they want and need in the industries where growth will be the strongest in the coming years."

Mr Denham said a coordinated effort involving employers, training providers and unions would be the best way to tackle the issue.

He also stressed the value of making further reforms to the skills system.

Mr Denham was appointed secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills in 2007.

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