People are being kept out of work because they do not have the skills, a survey has found.
Poor work skills and qualifications have been blamed for preventing the long-term unemployed from finding a job.
According to the Western Mail, a UK survey by Worklinks reported 30 per cent of people who had been out of work for more than three years said they did not have appropriate workplace skills.
Respondents thought this was a major factor holding them back, the publication said.
Some of the respondents had been out of work for more than five years, the Western Mail added.
Other factors prohibitive to finding work included family commitment's, fears of being financially worse off and health problems.
The survey backed up research by Welsh focus groups, showing unemployed people thought accessible training "would greatly improve their prospects for returning to and staying in employment".
Childcare provision was also considered to be important.
Those who think they do not have the right skills could consider learndirect as a way to change this. Courses can be accessed free for those in receipt of benefits.
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