What factors are driving the reduction in employer investment in skills training in the UK, and what policies could help to reverse this? What lessons can we draw from differences in these trends across the Industrial Strategy sectors and among firms within them, and what additional insights emerge when comparing UK patterns with international counterparts?
Background
The Industrial Strategy places skills at the heart of the UK’s growth ambitions. In an era of rapid technological change, the strength of the skills pipeline, from early education to digital literacy and leadership capability, will be pivotal. The government aims to enhance skills and increase access to talent. It is reforming the skills and employment support system to create a strong pipeline into the IS‑8 and future growth priorities, with opportunities for good jobs across the country. Building this future-ready workforce is essential for attracting globally mobile investment and enabling businesses to innovate and scale.
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Research fields
Related UKRI funded projects
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SkillsPulse
The study will address significant gaps in the understanding of skills deficiencies in Europe – i.e. the extent, causes, and implications of skills shortages and skills gaps. Skills shortages refer to where employers fac...
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Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Why might this be relevant?
The project specifically addresses skills shortages and gaps in Europe, which is directly related to the reduction in employer investment in skills training.
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Supporting the Industrial Strategy
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Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on developing skills, driving growth, supporting businesses, and encouraging trade, all of which are relevant to the question about policies to reverse the reduction in employer investment in skills training.
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ESRC RCUK Innovation Fellowships
Skills and management practices are important determinants of firm productivity, but the UK has persistent problems in both areas. Recent developments create new challenges. New immigration arrangements following Brexit ...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science
Why might this be relevant?
The project investigates the relationship between skills and firm performance, management practices, and the impact of Brexit on skills and investment, directly addressing the question about factors driving the reduction in employer investment in skills training.