TUC warns of “looming skills crisis” as workforce training drops

15 Jul 2019 12:50 PM

The TUC recently (12 July 2019) warned that the UK is facing a looming skills crisis after new analysis revealed a sharp drop in workplace training.

The TUC says that with automation and new technology changing the way many work, millions will need the chance to re-skill over the next 20 years.

The TUC study shows that workers are, on average, receiving 10% less training a year than in 2011.

For young workers (-16%) and lower qualified workers (-20%) the trend is even worse.

Young workers, those most in need, have lost the equivalent of a day’s training a year.

The new report builds on an earlier study which showed that workplace training has fallen significantly over the past 20 years.

The Training Trends in Britain report also reveals that:

But with huge cuts to adult education and fewer courses being run for workers, the UK is on a course for a massive skills deficit.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady recently said:

“The world of work is going to change massively over the coming years. If employers don’t increase workplace training, Britain faces a looming skills and productivity crisis.

“Everyone must be given the training they need to keep up with changes in technology.”

Editors note

Decline in training since 2011 by group

 

Drop in time spent in training since 2011

Average

10%

Young worker (16-34)

16%

Lower qualified worker (below GCSE/Level 2 qualifications)

20%

Worker with mid-level qualifications (GCSE/A level/Level 2/3)

8%


Source – Quarterly Labour Force survey

The drop is based on a measurement of hours spent in training over a four-week reference period.

 

Hours spent in training in 2018 (average per annum)

Hours spent in training in 2011 (average per annum)

Hours lost between 2011-2018

Average

25.09

27.95

2.86

Young worker

36.92

44.07

7.15

Lower qualified worker (below GCSE/Level 2 qualifications)

8.06

9.88

1.82