Commenting on Keir Starmer’s announcement today (Monday) of a new government focus on training through the establishment of Skills England, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK.
“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game changer for struggling parts of the economy.
“Spotting the gaps and planning ahead for any shortfall in the skills required as technology develops will be crucial too. For too long the government’s relied on overseas workers, while also making them unwelcome and left vulnerable to exploitation.
“It’s good to see the new government getting to grips with a problem that’s long been ignored, and recognising the important role further education colleges will play in this skills revolution.
“Improved wages in care once the new fair-pay agreement has been negotiated, combined with this new focus on skills, could prove to be the solution to the perpetual problem of staffing shortages in this key sector.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
The article Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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