In order to remain competitive, London must boost the skills of its workforce and fight its way out of the recession, this comes from key findings from the Mayor of London’s updated skills and employment strategy.
The plan sets out how the Mayor and the London Skills and Employment Board (LSEB) will continue to help Londoners and the capital’s businesses to tackle the impact of the recession and prepare for recovery in the capital.
It highlights how, to prepare for recovery and address the long term challenges London faces, the LSEB and its delivery partners must increase the supply of skills required to improve London’s competitiveness as a global city. It outlines the importance of tackling the high levels of worklessness and the significant number of people with no qualifications, or low skill levels in the capital.
The main focus of the strategy is on employers and simplifying the employment and skills system. From Recession to Recovery outlines three strategic aims for 2009 – 2014:
1,Working with employers to support them in developing their businesses and keeping London’s economy competitive to provide more job and skills opportunities.
2,Supporting Londoners to improve their skills, job and advancement prospects through integrated employment support and training opportunities.
3,Creating a fully integrated, customer-focused skills and employment system to improve value for money and results for Londoners and the capital’s businesses.
The Mayor of London and Chair of the London Skills and Employment Board, Boris Johnson, said: “One of London’s key attributes is its people. Even though the capital has weathered the recession better than other UK regions, the past year of global economic turmoil has taken it’s toll upon London, its businesses and our people.
“Our key focus remains to ensure London is globally competitive, with a highly skilled workforce, whilst also tackling the problems of entrenched worklessness. This means continuing to update our strategy and draw on the experiences of all sectors. We will continue to reform the skills system so that all Londoners are made aware of the opportunities that are available and get that vital chance to share in the capital’s success”.
Vice-Chairman of the London Skills and Employment Board Harvey McGrath said: “
“The LSEB’s goal of bringing delivery agencies together to ensure jobs and skills support in the capital is focused on the needs of businesses and on helping those looking for work has remained a priority, particularly in the challenging economic climate. Over the next 12 months we will foster initiatives such as the London Employer Accord, which identifies employers’ training needs and helps those out of work to meet the demand. Schemes such as this prove that strong, coordinated working relationships can make a significant difference to the lives of Londoners.”
