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Press Release

Managers welcome move to give employers control of skills funding

17 November 2011

CMI has welcomed this morning's announcement by the Government of a fund to give employers more control over skills funding. Employers will be able to bid for public funding to back schemes that will leverage private investment, support Apprenticeships and show a commitment to raising skills levels in their sector or supply chain.

The announcement follows CMI research* showing that more than two thirds of managers (71%) support policies to give employers and learners greater control over funding for skills development, with 82% backing increased investment in Apprenticeships.

Petra Wilton, CMI's Director of Policy and Research, said:

"CMI welcomes today's announcement and the Government's recognition of the importance of skills to our long-term competitiveness. As our research shows, many managers will be pleased to see the Government offering employers greater control of skills investment and will be keen to take advantage of the flexibility it offers.

"The debate about how to maximise economic growth is rightly at the top of the political agenda and it is a major concern for managers too. The skills of the workforce are a key factor in business success, and few are as important as the management and leadership skills of those people making critical decisions about its activities. We hope this funding will help to support innovative employer-led schemes to boost these vital skills."

*Pearson G, Wilton P, and Woodman P, Economic Outlook Issue 5 – October 2011, CMI. Available at www.managers.org.uk/outlook



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