Press Release

For immediaterelease

Wednesday 9July 2003

IoD welcomes Training and Skills White Paper

Government plans toimprove basic educational skills is a step in the right direction, theInstitute of Directors (IoD) said today. Following the publication of the WhitePaper, Realising our Potential, theIoD said it was pleased the Government had acknowledged the crucial importanceof improving the levels of literacy and numeracy.

Ruth Lea, Head of thePolicy Unit at the IoD, said:

"We give a broadwelcome to the new Skills White Paper from the DfES - not least of all becauseany initiatives that seek to tackle the appalling lack of basic skills in asizeable minority of the British people deserves support.

"We are alsopleased to see emphasis on vocational training and more support for those infull-time courses at further education colleges. We have little doubt thatbusiness will support these initiatives, on the understanding they arevoluntary.

"However, westill have some reservations about the Government's overall approach toeducation and skills training - not least of all its obsession withtargets."

Ends 9.7.03 No.181

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Notefor editors

TheInstitute of Directors is a non-party political independent organisation witharound 55,000 members. In addition to its wide range of business services, theIoD provides an effective voice to represent the interests of its members togovernment and key opinion-formers. It also brings the experience of businessleaders to bear on the conduct of public affairs

Contact Points:

Ruth Lea, Head of thePolicy Unit, tel: 020 7451 3291

Richard Taylor, PressOfficer, tel: 020 7451 3264

mobile and out of hours: 07721 734886

David Marshall, Directorof Public Affairs, tel: 020 7451 3263

mobile and outof hours: 0776 4883420

email: press@iod.com

web: www.iod.com