§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the balance between the supply of(a) high, (b) intermediate and (c) lower level qualifications in the workforce and employers' requirements for qualifications across the UK. [155288]
§ Ms HewittThe evidence gathered to inform the National Skills Strategy highlighted the fact that 56.9 per cent, of the UK workforce have lower level qualifications, 27.7 per cent, intermediate and 15.4 per cent, higher level.
Understanding employers demand for skills and qualifications and encouraging effective deployment of skills in the workplace are key to my Department's agenda. I will continue to work with the Sectors Skills Development Agency and the Skills for Business Network to ensure that employers have the skills they require both now and in the future.