Leading London trade unionist appointed to help solve skills crisis

Londonís Mayor, Ken Livingstone today appointed Barry Francis, Regional Manager Southern and Eastern Region Unionlearn, to the prestigious London Skills and Employment Board to help tackle London-wide issues on skills and employment.

Barry Francis said:

ìWith a quarter of the London workforce having problems with basic literacy skills and nearly half the workforce with the bare minimum of numeracy skills, there is a great deal of work to be done if we are to meet the challenges ahead in upskilling workers. The London Skills and Employment Board is a real opportunity to address these challenges and I am delighted that I have been selected to be a member of the Board.î

The Mayor Ken Livingstone said: ìThe new Board brings together a wealth of talent and expertise in the fields of business and education which will be vital to deliver world class training and skills in London. We need to work with Londonís employers to ensure Londoners receive the training they need to get jobs. This will ensure all Londoners can benefit from and make a real contribution to the capitalís economic prosperity. ì

Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson said: ìThe creation of the Skills and Employment Board under the Mayorís leadership is a real step forward for London. A world class city needs world class skills and we want employers to be centre stage securing the right skills for the economy. The Mayor will be a powerful champion for this and the strong employer representation on the Board will ensure we have a strategy to meet the Capitalís adult skills needs.

ìThe important Further Education and Training Bill the Government introduced in Parliament last week sets out reforms to ensure providers become even more responsive to the needs of employers. But employers must continue to work closely with Government if we are to meet the challenges Lord Leitch will set out in his Review of skills shortly.î

The new Board includes top London business leaders, large employers, education specialists and union representation. The Mayor will chair the new Board and Harvey McGrath, chair of the Man Group and chair of London business organisation London First, will be vice chair. The Board will help to equip Londoners with the skills that best meet employersí needs.