Press Release

New report highlights London’s need for language skills

13 July 2006

A new report Talking world class: The impact of language skills on the London Economy released today by Regional Language Network London (RLN) explains why the capital needs to make the most of language skills. It also identifies what further support is required for London to realise its future economic potential and ensure the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

London’s position as a global capital, a leading hub for international trade and investment and a world-class tourist destination will depend more than ever in the future on making the most of the city’s language skills.

While English-speaking customers represent an ever-decreasing proportion of the potential client base in the global market, London, with over 300 languages spoken by its residents, is uniquely placed to benefit from its multicultural make-up. Nearer to home language skills are essential to providing services for the multilingual population – both for Londoners and overseas visitors.

Jane Collis, manager of RLN London explained, “Although there is huge growth in non-English speaking markets, linguistic diversity in our capital can be an even greater asset for competitiveness and employment prospects if we invest in language skills.”

David Hughes, Regional Director of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who funded the report, commented, “The LSC London Region is pleased to have commissioned this study, which will help to inform our stakeholders about the economic case for language skills in the capital. We need to harness and use the language, cultural and professional expertise of Londoners for continued economic development and success.”

Nigel Bourne, Director, CBI London Region, summed up, “ London with its international standing and multilingual talent, must be — and has every reason to be — at the forefront of the drive for better language skills in the UK.”

Notes to Editors

1. Regional Language Network London
Regional Language Network London works to create greater opportunities for London's businesses and people through improved access to language skills. We are part of the Regional Language Network programme, which is supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages www.cilt.org.uk and operates in the nine English regions and three home nations. We work, in close association with our partners, to promote the benefits of foreign languages and cultural skills for London's businesses, communities and individuals.

2. Learning and Skills Council (LSC) London Region
The LSC London Region is responsible for planning and investing in high quality education and training. The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. It has a single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to make sure we have a workforce that is of world-class standard.
www.lsc.gov.uk

3. Talking world class: The impact of language skills on the London economy
Talking world class: The impact of language skills on the London economy is the first regional supplement to Talking world class: The impact of language skills on the UK economy published by CILT, the National Centre for Languages in 2005. It draws on data from a variety of sources to present the ‘economic case’ for languages in London. The information presented is intended to inform the work of policy-makers and professionals in workforce development, education, business, public and voluntary sector organisations.
Booklets are available from RLN London (address above) or the document can be downloaded from www.rln-london.com/pdf/talkingworldclass_london.pdf.

4. CBI
The CBI's mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all.

We are the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues. We work with the UK government, international legislators and policy-makers to help UK businesses compete effectively.
www.cbi.org.uk