HR Industry News

Ken Livingstone in London skills drive

— 15 October 2007 —

A new report published by the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone claims that too many Londoners lack the skills they need to compete for jobs.

The ‘London Story’ report underlines that while London is the driving force behind the UK economy, it still needs to engage employers in raising the skills of the workforce and ensuring that all Londoners have the skills and qualifications to compete against stiff competition from better qualified people throughout the rest of the UK and overseas.

London has the highest level of worklessness in the UK. The report identifies the need to address the barriers faced by ethnic minorities, lone parents and the long-term disabled, as well as the need for funds for targeted training for the most disadvantaged.

London’s economy is highly successful and we must continue to build on this success. Key to this is ensuring London and Londoners have the skills needed to compete for business and jobs. I hope the information in The London Story will assist all Londoners – employers, employees and those who want a decent job – to contribute to the crucial debate on setting the strategic direction for meeting London’s skills requirements and ensuring all Londoners are equipped to compete for a decent job.Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London

Vice-chair of the London skills and employment board, Harvey McGrath, added: “The skills and employment landscape in London is confused and crowded. As a Board we want to make it easier for individuals and employers to navigate through it and succeed.  The bottom-line is that we want all Londoners to be able to access good employment opportunities and gain the skills they need to develop their careers.”

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