Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has pledged to address the skills 'mess' that is hindering young people from securing jobs in the UK. Official figures indicate that skills shortages account for approximately 36% of job vacancies, which in turn affects productivity and the overall economy [07289dd9]. The number of skills vacancies has more than doubled from 226,500 in 2017 to 531,200 in 2022 [07289dd9].
To tackle this issue, Starmer will launch Skills England, a new body that aims to kickstart young people's careers and provide businesses with the necessary workforce. Skills England will bring together local and central government, businesses, trade unions, and training providers to better understand the nation's skills gap [07289dd9]. The body will also collaborate with the government's migration advisers to reduce reliance on overseas workers [07289dd9].
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has appointed Richard Pennycook, former Co-op boss, as the interim chair to lead a shadow body in the Department for Education while Skills England is being established [07289dd9].
Labour is also proposing a Growth and Skills Levy, which would allow businesses to allocate up to half of the funds for training existing staff and the remainder for apprenticeships [07289dd9].
Keir Starmer's plan to address the skills 'mess' and job vacancies in the UK reflects his commitment to improving the economy and providing opportunities for young people. By establishing Skills England, collaborating with various stakeholders, and implementing the Growth and Skills Levy, Starmer aims to bridge the skills gap and create a more prosperous and inclusive workforce [07289dd9].