Firms 'alienated' by 'confusing' skills reforms

Firms have been “alienated” by the government’s many skills reforms, according to a report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The report, In Perfect Harmony, argues that 28 skills reforms in 30 years have failed to deliver on skills needs and have confused learning providers.

Neil Carberry, CBI Managing Director for People policy, said a longer-term approach is needed.

“Skills are vital if we are to adapt to new technologies, increase our global competitiveness and deliver higher wages,” he said. “They are the very heart of a successful industrial strategy. But that means we need a skills approach that lasts for 50 years, not five.