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Britain needs urgent investment in skills and training, says TUC 

• New OECD report warns about cuts to adult learning 

Commenting on yesterday’s (Wednesday) OECD report on adult learning, which calls for greater investment in workplace training and skills, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: 

“The world of work is changing rapidly. But those most in need of skills and re-training aren’t getting the help they need. 

“Without more investment in workforce learning and training, Britain’s skills shortages will get worse.  

“If the government wants to get people ready for automation it must reverse its deep cuts to further education and adult learning. These services are vital for boosting skills and productivity now and into the future.”

Editors note

Notes to editors: 

• The OECD’s report states: “Adult learning systems need adequate and sustainable financing to function well. While there is no benchmark for a sufficient level of financing, what is certain is that adult learning currently receives less funding compared to other education areas. Moreover, in the context of the economic crisis and constrained government budgets, many countries report declining public investments in adult learning. This suggests that in the future other actors – employers, individuals – may be called upon to contribute further to the cost of training in line with the benefits they obtain. In this context, governments can design financial incentives for individuals and/or employers to encourage greater investment in training.” 
• There was a real terms drop of 45% in total funding for adult education and apprenticeships between 2009-10 and 2017-18 – data from IFS report: https://www.ifs.org.uk/uploads/publications/comms/R150.pdf  
• The TUC is calling for a significant boost to funding of FE and adult skills and introduction of new skills entitlements, including:  
  • Development of individual lifelong learning accounts 
  • A new entitlement to mid-life career and skills review 
  • Strengthened rights to paid time off for employees to retrain 
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 49 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.