The report discusses the increasing importance of skills in the global economy and the current state of the UK's skills base. It makes the case for a demand-led skills system and the need for employer engagement in developing skills in the workforce. It considers how the UK can develop a culture of learning and integrate employment and skills services. The report recommends that the UK commit to becoming a world leader in skills by 2020, benchmarked against the upper quartile of the OECD, which will mean doubling attainment at most levels.

In 2004 the government commissioned Sandy Leitch to undertake an independent review of the UK's long term skills needs. The terms of reference for the review were published with the 2004 Pre-Budget Report. They were:

The Review team was composed of officials from both HM Treasury and the Department for Education and Skills, with an advisory member from the Sector Skills Development Agency.

The Review drew on evidence from a wide variety of sources. A call for evidence was sent to over 250 organisations, including employers and their representatives, unions and organisations providing education and training. Responses were also received through the Review’s website. A research study ‘Alternative Skills Scenarios to 2020 for the UK Economy’ was commissioned on behalf of the review. The study developed quantified projections and scenarios, and drew out the qualitative implications of alternative futures.

The Review concludes that the UK’s historic skills deficit has constrained productivity, employment and social justice, and that the UK’s skills base remains mediocre by international standards. It makes proposals for a shared national mission for the UK to be a world leader in skills, delivered through new shared action between the government, employers, trades unions and individuals. It sets out recommendations to make the skills system fully demand led, to engage employers, to embed a culture of learning across society, and to integrate employment and skills services.

HM Treasury
Phone: +44 20 7270 4558
leitch.review@hm-treasury.gov.uk

05/12/2006

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Sandy Leitch

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Training