Charles Clarke has welcomed a statement from the CBI, TUC and Small Business Council outlining their commitment to a collective, partnership approach to developing the nation's skills.

The statement comes as figures released on international skills comparisons show that Britain is closing the gap with its major competitors at the intermediate and technician skill levels vital for productivity.

Forum Response: The Prince's Trust

A spokeswoman said: "If we are to really help the hardest to reach young people in our society we need to link skills development to jobs or positive outcomes, otherwise any skills strategy will be in vain.

"That is why at The Prince's Trust we are looking to develop young people's skills in conjunction with employability. We are researching skills shortages in certain regions, and looking to build partnerships with sectors who have recruitment problems.

"We have already piloted a programme with the Construction Industry to offer hands on experience, vocational skills and enhanced employability and will be looking to broaden this out to other sectors.

"It is vital we target the most disadvantaged if we are to really improve the UK's competitiveness and productivity. Reducing the 1 million young people not in education, employment or training by a mere 7 per cent would equate to a £1.1 billion increase in GDP. This is a goal worth striving for."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

Richard Wilson, head of business policy at the Institute of Directors, said: "It is encouraging that there has been an increase in the number of people qualified to Level 2 over the period 1994-2003. Unfortunately, the UK still has a smaller proportion of the workforce qualified to Levels 2 and 3 in comparison to some of our principal competitors.
 
"Employers in the UK are committed to improving skills and already spend £23
billion per annum on training. However, the government must continue to
focus on improving standards in schools. Last year, only 38 per cent of 16  year
olds managed to secure grades A*-C in GCSE English, mathematics and science.
Unless pupils leave school with a good grounding in basic skills and
qualifications to at least Level 2, there is insufficient on which to build
and skill shortages and skill gaps will persist."

Forum Response: Secondary Heads Association