Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what steps he is taking to facilitate people gaining employment in industries in which skill shortages exist. [36866]
(2) what role he plays in the assessment of the level of skill shortages in (a) the building industry and (b) the road haulage industry. [36869]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownWe are working closely with employers to understand their needs, so we can improve the support we give to people without work. We have set up the National Employer Panel, an employer-led body which will recommend to Government ways of ensuring employment programmes are responsive to the changing needs of employers and individuals.
We have a dynamic labour market—with 6 million people changing jobs every year and a record 28.2 million people in work—and there are many competing opportunities. We recognise that some industries are facing difficulties in attracting new recruits with the required skills. We provide support for specific industries, where this is appropriate. For example, we have introduced Ambition: Construction which is designed to help meet skill shortages and help 1,000 long-term unemployed people into construction jobs. In addition, the Employment Service works closely with the road haulage industry in a number of locations to facilitate skills development in this sector.
The Department is also working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Education and Skills to address the recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's Workforce Development report, which sets out a longer-term vision for addressing skill needs.
1123WWe, and colleagues at the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Trade and Industry, have asked the Regional Development Agencies to lead the Framework for Regional Employment and Skills Action (FRESA). This strategic partnership of organisations includes the CBI, the TUC, the Learning and Skills Council, the Employment Service and Local Government Associations. The work of the FRESAs will provide a co-ordinated strategy for skills, ensuring a more efficient service for employers and individuals alike.