"They struggle to recruit people with the digital and tech skills", Anna Dixon emphasises importance of skills training

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley constituency, today called on the government to assure her that the new Skills England program will effectively benefit local businesses.

During her speech in the House of Commons, Ms. Dixon addressed Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, highlighting that businesses in her constituency have expressed challenges in recruiting local individuals with the necessary skills.

Launched in September, Skills England is a new initiative designed to bring together key partners to address the skills needs of the coming decade. This program will play a vital role in the government's mission to foster growth across the country, helping people secure better jobs and enhance their standard of living.

In the debate on Skills Training, Anna Dixon MP said: “Some 3.8 million people aged 19 and over benefit from skills education in England every year.

“I pay tribute to all the hard-working professionals employed in further education, including at Shipley College in my constituency.

“However, businesses in Saltaire tell me that they struggle to recruit people with the digital and tech skills that they need locally.

“I welcome steps taken by the Government to address skills shortage vacancies. Will the Secretary of State assure me that the benefits of Skills England will be felt by businesses in Shipley?”

Bridget Phillipson responded: “I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the staff at Shipley College. She is right that it is time that we, as a country, took skills much more seriously.

We were left with skills shortages in many key areas, including those she identified. We will be giving businesses the flexibility they have been asking for, to unlock growth and drive opportunity through the reformed growth and skills levy.”