Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech on skills, Mark Hilton, Executive Director for People at London First, said:
“Unemployment has risen sharply as a result of the pandemic, disproportionately impacting young people, so it is right that the Government has made a commitment to invest in re-skilling.
“More vocational courses and an increase in flexible learning will help support people at all stages of their career, in a tough job market. However, the Government should go further in devolving skills powers and funding to London and other cities so that local skills gaps can be properly targeted.
“We await the detail in the Education White Paper but the focus on digital skills and an employer-led approach will reassure businesses that the Government is mindful of the skills gaps in the workforce.”