Responding to the launch of the Government’s post-16 education and skills white paper, Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery Director at BusinessLDN, said:
“As the world of work rapidly evolves, it’s positive to see the Government’s long-promised skills strategy will support growth sectors by opening up more pathways for Londoners and people across the country to succeed. For too long, skills policy has hindered rather than helped businesses, creating complexity which has stifled development of the talent that businesses need. The Government’s reforms should be taken forward with the aim of simplifying processes for training providers whilst providing tangible support for firms seeking to close skills gaps.
“The Government is right to bring responsibility for skills under the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure new initiatives are aligned with the needs of employers, an approach which can be strengthened through long-term funding for Local Skills Improvement Plans. Firms will also welcome details on implementation of a new Growth and Skills Levy, which must be rolled out in close consultation with employers to ensure its success.
“The Government should reconsider its proposals for a new levy on international students, which would undermine the aims of this white paper by putting our world-leading education providers under further financial strain.”