Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail, today welcomed the news that Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and one of Skillsmart Retailís patrons, is to be a commissioner for the new UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).
Charlie Mayfield, who has been a Skillsmart Retail patron since April 2007, was named as one of 20 inaugural UKCES commissioners by the government yesterday.
The establishment of UKCES was a key recommendation of the Leitch Report and it will play a critical role in securing a world class skills profile in the UK by 2020.
Skillsmart Retail is confident that Charlie Mayfield will continue to support the skills agenda in the retail sector and meet any of the challenges that his new role will bring.
Anne Seaman, Chief Operating Officer for Skillsmart Retail, said: ìWe were delighted when Charlie Mayfield became a Skillsmart Retail patron, and this new appointment will provide a further opportunity for him to highlight the importance of retail skills in creating a world class workforce.
ìWe look forward to working with him in representing the views of retailers throughout the UK and ensuring that they are provided with the opportunity to increase their employeesí skills and remain competitive.î
UKCES will operate from April 2008 and will take up some of the work currently undertaken by the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) which will cease to exist on 31 March 2008.
Its aims are to secure a highly skilled workforce, help to increase employment levels, engage more people from disadvantaged backgrounds and help them into sustained employment.
Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of BT Group plc, was named as commission chair earlier this year and will oversee Charlie Mayfield and 19 other influential commissioners.
They will make sure that employers have a pivotal role in ensuring the UKís employment and skills system responds well to the needs of business and the public services.
Mr Mayfield said: ìRaising skills levels is vital to the future prosperity of the UK. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to work with government and other stakeholders to develop and nurture the talent of our workforce.î
More information about Skillsmart Retailís commitment to retail skills can be found at:
Skillsmart Retail welcomes appointment of John Lewis Partnership Chairman to UKCES
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