date: 7 May 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcomes 'Ambition 2020' report by UK Commission for Employment and Skills

Commenting on the report - Ambition 2020: World class skills and jobs for the UK - published today (Thursday) by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'While this report highlights significant progress in raising people's skill levels over the last decade, it warns that the Government's ambition of climbing up the skills league for the world's leading economies remains a huge challenge.

'The Government, unions and employers must continue to invest in training in order to protect as many jobs as possible during the downturn.

'Government must also take note of the finding that improving skills is only part of the solution. Too few businesses are operating in high value-added sectors and too many employees are over-qualified for their job. Tackling these challenges requires a wider economic strategy.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber recently co-signed a letter with business leaders and the Chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Sir Mike Rake urging employers to make investment in training during the recession a top priority.

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Media enquiries:
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Press release (300 words) issued 7 May 2009