Responding to the publication of Lord Blunkett’s Learning and Skills Report, UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The recommendations in Lord Blunkett’s Learning and Skills report are very positive and echo much of what UKHospitality has been calling for over many years, such as the introduction of an Apprenticeship and Learning Levy.
“There is a huge amount of work already happening within hospitality to invest in our people and correct the historical culture of underinvestment in skills and training in the UK.
“Initiatives recommended in the report such as a National Skills Taskforce, Individual Learning Accounts to share the cost of development and a Learning and Skills passport are all practical measures that could deliver great success. However, it’s important that any new measures don’t simply replace and duplicate work already happening so there needs to be an assessment of how best these recommendations could be implemented.
“In addition to investing in the next generation’s skills, there are unprecedented vacancies in the sector now. There needs to be a dual approach from government in addressing both the immediate needs of the sector and future-proofing to ensure we build sustainable solutions.”