§ 12. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received regarding the impact of skills shortages on productivity. [154521]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisIt is estimated that lower skills contribute up to 20 per cent. of the UK's productivity gap with France and Germany. The key to productivity is a highly skilled workforce. The Skills Strategy published in July sets out our programme to raise our skill levels to compete with the best in the world. It will be driven forward by the Skills Alliance.