Stephanie Dearden
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting
Tel: 020-7771-2551 or 07985649807
PRESS RELEASES
Monday, 14th November 2005
Skills Gap Impacting On UK Businesses
The Liberal Democrats have published the findings of
their UK competitiveness survey, which examined some of the main issues
affecting the ability of businesses to compete in the global market place, to
coincide with ‘Enterprise week’. Key findings include:
• 71% of businesses say a lack of skilled workers is having a negative impact,
with low numeracy and reading ability amongst school leavers having a
significant impact on 76% of small/medium enterprises.
• Over 80% of businesses felt that Government support in the form of procurement
policies, R&D grants, communication of trends or consultancy offered limited or
no help to their business.
• While over 73% of respondents currently felt the UK is either an average or
above average place in which to locate business, only 49% of respondents feel
that the same will be true by 2010.
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie
Dearden said:-
There is a sense of chaos and confusion over responsibility for closing the skills gaps - two Government departments and a vast number of agencies all meddling but without an effective focus. For instance, it ought to be possible for an individual and employers to register interest for an apprenticeship on a central system, on a similar basis to that currently available for higher education opportunities. The Government owes it to employers, potential employees and young people to ensure that it closes the skills gap and ensures that the UK is able to compete in the global market over the long-term.
ENDS
Notes to
editors