NEWS DESK

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today launched the capital’s first Skills and Employment Strategy, London’s Future. The Strategy, developed by the London Skills and Employment Board, sets out the blueprint for the changes that are needed to improve job and skills opportunities for Londoners and the capital’s employers over the next five years.

Tackling gun and knife crime in the capital is the Mayor’s key priority and London’s Future is a key tool in reaching out to those Londoners who have been failed by our education system. It represents a ‘second chance’ for many to garner the skills necessary to get them into employment and will help prevent those on the margins of London society from gravitating towards crime.

Mayor of London and Chair of the London Skills and Employment Board, Boris Johnson, said: “It is simply not good enough in a city as prosperous as London that we have such high levels of unemployment and such a large number of people by-passed by the education system and left without the skills and qualifications needed to get a job in the capital.

‘The link between unemployment and crime is clear and that is why a major part of London’s Future focuses on giving those who have been failed by our education system a second chance to get back into work and away from a life of crime. There is money and political will out there and I want to harness both, to reform the skills system so that Londoners are made aware of the opportunities that are available and get that vital chance to share in the capital's success”.

 
While London continues to maintain its position as the nation’s economic engine room as well as the financial centre of Europe, it has unacceptable levels of unemployment, with the current rates nearing 30 per cent and over 600,000 Londoners having no qualifications. London’s Future aims to get tens of thousands more Londoners into work and to improve their skills levels.

London’s Future aims to address the two key areas of access and support for both employers and employees. The Strategy seeks to work with employers to better support them in providing more job and skills opportunities to Londoners which will in turn benefit their businesses and maintain the capital’s economic position. The Strategy recognises that of equal importance is ensuring that Londoners get the skills and support they need to secure and progress in employment. To achieve these goals, skills and employment services in London must be integrated and resources must be deployed in response to what businesses or Londoners want.

The Mayor is adamant that his administration champions aspiration among Londoners and key to this is providing opportunities to young people and adults. He has given his commitment to keep the Strategy under review to make sure that it delivers for London and Londoners, to make the appropriate changes when and where needed and to work with central government to see delivery through its key implementation agencies.

 
John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: “The Strategy offers a strong, clear vision for skills in London. It's an opportunity to take advantage of the unique opportunities in the capital and to tackle local skills shortages. I'm sure what is happening in London will be looked at carefully by other cities who want to establish Employment and Skills Boards of their own. We look forward to working with you."

James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “London is one of the most vibrant and successful cities in the world and we need to make sure everyone is able to share in its success. Driving up sustainable employment within disadvantaged communities is the best way to make sure everyone can benefit, and ensuring that individuals have the work relevant skills that employers need is key to this.

"I share in the London Skills and Employment Board’s commitment to combating social exclusion and disadvantage in the capital by integrating employment and skills. My Department is already working closely with the Board and other London partners to implement a joined up service for both individuals and employers and will work closely with the Board to achieve our shared aims."

Chairman of the London Skills and Employment Board Harvey McGrath said: “London’s biggest economic challenge is its low employment rate – nearly five per cent lower than the rest of the country.  While London’s overall economy has boomed, too many Londoners lack the basic skills needed to get into employment.  Public funding in London needs to address this problem and provide a service that helps businesses get the staff they need to prosper and enable Londoners improve their skills.  This strategy is groundbreaking in that it will get all the key players to work together, to the same agenda, and raise the skills base across the capital.”