§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will estimate the number of economically inactive adults without a level 2 qualification; and if he will make a statement. [174368]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 25 May 2004]According to the quarterly Labour Force Survey, in winter 2003/04 there were 2,862,000 economically inactive adults lacking a level 2 qualification (49.2 per cent. of an inactive population of 5,822,000).
As we said in our Skills Strategy White Paper, "21st Century Skills", we will create a new guarantee of free tuition for any adult without a good foundation of employability skills to get the training they need to 1824W achieve such a qualification at level 2. We intend that it will apply to those in the workforce or of working age—including the economically inactive who are seeking those employability skills—who do not already have a full level 2 qualification, and who commit to trying to achieve one. The entitlement will be trialled in two regions—the North East and the South East—from September 2004. Subject to experience in the first year, we will roll out the entitlement nationally from September 2005.
In the 2004 Budget the Chancellor announced a New Deal for Skills. This will focus on people with significant skills needs who are on benefits—both active and inactive—and help them acquire the skills they need for sustained employment.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will estimate the number of economically inactive adults with a level 3 qualification; and if he will make a statement. [174369]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 25 May 2004]According to the quarterly Labour Force Survey, in Winter 2003/04 there were 1,903,000 economically inactive adults with a level 3 qualification (or higher), representing 32.7 per cent. of an inactive population of 5,822,000.
We want to increase the number of people with level 3 qualifications that will enhance their employability. Working through Regional Skills Partnerships and Sector Skills Councils, priority skills needs will be identified so that learning undertaken at level 3 has greater impact for both individuals and employers as regional and sector skills priorities are addressed.
In the 2004 Budget the Chancellor announced a New Deal for Skills. This will focus on people with significant skills needs who are on benefits—both active and inactive—and help them acquire the skills they need for sustained employment.
§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to maintain adult skills provision at(a) basic, (b) level 2 and (c) level 3 in the Worthing area. [175449]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe Government outlined their commitment to improving adult skills in "21st Century Skills" published in July 2003 and has set challenging PSA targets for skills improvement in basic skills and at level 2.
Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for planning and funding adult skills provision in Worthing through the main further education college, Northbrook College, and other learning providers including Worthing College and West Sussex Adult Education Service. Northbrook College, in its three-year development plan, outlined plans to maintain learner numbers at entry level, level 1 and level 3, with an increase in learners at level 2.
Sussex LSC is working closely with local providers and partners, in order to ensure that the strategic area review delivers an improvement in the provision and that the needs of individuals and employers are being met effectively. Sussex LSC is also involved in the 1825W national pilot for level 2 entitlement to deliver free provision and financial support to adults without level 2 qualifications.
In addition, Sussex LSC has established a Skills for Life Development Centre, in partnership with the South East England Development Agency to increase demand for, and improve, basic skills provision.