HC Deb 18 November 1986 vol 105 cc168-9W
43. Mr. Wareing

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement about skill shortages in British industry.

Mr. Trippier

There are indications that in parts of the country, some employers may not immediately be able to recruit experienced employees with certain specialised occupational skills. Such difficulties can affect employers' ability to increase output and productivity. Whilst it is primarily the responsibility of industry to identify and meet its own training needs, the Government recognise the problems faced particularly by small firms and where cross-sectoral skills are involved.

We are therefore providing direct help through a range of schemes run by the Manpower Services Commission to train employed and unemployed people in skills for which there is a known demand, and to help small firms, especially in retraining existing employees or training new recruits for hard-to-fill vacancies.

Action in the longer term to increase the supply of skills includes the two-year YTS, the non advanced further education initiative and other policies to provide and influence training, operated by the Manpower Services Commission.