BCC: Strong skills base essential for growth of UK firms - Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UK

The Government has launched a consultation on the future direction of skills policy, called “Skills for Sustainable Growth”. Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“A skilled and knowledgeable UK workforce is fundamental to the development of a rich and diverse economy.

“Employers want the public sector to focus limited resources on basic employability skills, focused apprenticeships and the leadership and management skills needed to help grow small businesses. While we are pleased to see an emphasis on the apprenticeship programme - a vital recruitment resource for many smaller firms - the economy is still fragile, and expectations that businesses will be taking on a high number of apprentices may be premature.

“Employers have long complained that there is a mismatch between the skills on offer and their business needs. These simplification plans must root out this mismatch – because getting the right skills to businesses means growth in productivity, jobs and tax revenue.”