Jamie Cater,  Head of Employment and Skills policy Make UK said:

“Manufacturers will be encouraged to see that the Government is placing skills training at the heart of its work on economic growth and industrial strategy by establishing Skills England and pledging a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education.

“The Prime Minister is right that the focus of this work should be on enabling employers to access the skills they need – both for now and in the future. Make UK has long called for closer integration of the skills system and immigration system, so the commitment to Skills England working together with the Migration Advisory Committee is a promising step forward. Manufacturers recruit from overseas when they cannot find the right talent locally.

Today’s announcement is an important recognition that businesses need support to train and develop a skilled workforce while retaining the flexibility to hire overseas workers where there is an urgent need. We look forward to working with the Government and Skills England to ensure that manufacturers can address longstanding skills gaps and secure their future workforce.”