Sir Digby calls for an end to skills famine
By Sue Mennell (16-04-2007)
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Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Annual Conference 2007 on Monday 16th April, Sir Digby Jones will call for businesses to work closely with their Sector Skills Councils to drive forward the development of economically valuable skills.
The move follows publication of the latest BCC survey which found that more than half of businesses questioned find it more difficult to recruit employees with the skills they need today than they did five years ago.
“The global economy is rapidly changing, with emerging economies such as China and India growing significantly,” said Sir Digby Jones. “Failure to prepare for the skills challenges facing us will have severe consequences for the UK’s competitiveness at an international, national and local level.
“There are changes ahead for British businesses, for the government and for all those involved in the development and delivery of skills, but there is also a huge opportunity – we simply cannot afford to stand still.”
The BCC Annual Conference 2007 will bring together senior representatives from British business, Chambers of Commerce, business support agencies and government to help boost the productivity and competitiveness of the UK’s businesses.
Sir Digby Jones will be speaking about the role of the Sector Skills Councils in driving the skills revolution at 2.45pm on Monday 16th April 2007, at the QEII Conference Centre, London SW1. The afternoon will be hosted by skills expert, Professor Mike Campbell, director of development at the Sector Skills Development Agency.
Mike Campbell, said: “In the last 10 years alone, the improvements in qualifications have increased GDP by between £30 and £50 billion and created 200,000 new jobs. Further enhancement would ensure that this trend continues.
“Meeting our skills ambitions will raise productivity by £1,800 per worker and net the economy an additional £80 billion, creating higher wages and profits, and more jobs. It’s a win-win situation.”
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