Responding to the latest skills survey data from the Department for Education, Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute (L&W), said:
“New data show employers are investing 19% less in training than in 2011, with spend per employee falling 29% to £1700 over the same period. Every sector has seen falls, with the largest drops in training spend per employee in hospitality, health and social work, and public administration. This comes on top of a £1 billion cut to Government adult skills funding in England since 2010. The UK is systemically underinvesting in learning and skills, holding back productivity and opportunity. That needs to change.”
Contact our press office2 March 2026
When it comes to lifelong learning, are we any closer to the College of the Future?
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the role of colleges in providing adults with opportunity and agency throughout their lives.
2 March 2026
Why adult education is an investment, not a cost
David Hughes, CEO at the Association of Colleges, sets out why a well-funded, high-quality adult education system is beneficial to society and the economy.
17 February 2026
Labour market dashboard
Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.
24 December 2025
Falling short: Understanding further falls in employer training
This briefing looks at how employer investment in training continues to fall – now down 36% per employee since 2005 – and argues that we must turn this around to improve economic growth.
22 December 2025
From confusion to clarity: rethinking England’s 670 occupational standards
L&W’s Stephen Evans and Pearson’s Donna Ford-Clarke reflect on findings from our recent research on England’s occupational standards – of which there are now more than double the number in countries like Germany and Switzerland.
27 November 2025
Responding to the full year apprenticeships data release
Learning and Work Institute’s Deputy Head of Research Dr Corin Egglestone responds to the full year apprenticeships data released on 27 November 2025.
18 November 2025
Responding to higher technical skills needs
Supported by Gatsby Charitable Foundation, this report explores employer and employee decision making about training and the development of higher technical skills.
7 November 2025
No train no gain
This research, supported by Multiverse, finds that access to training is a boon for people’s pay and careers. The training dividend is greatest for those on the lower rungs of the occupational ladder, helping them go further, faster.
7 November 2025
Spotlight on Newport: Place within a Place
Ufi VocTech Trust, in partnership with Adult Learning Wales, Newport City Council and Learning and Work Institute, have launched an innovative place-based collaboration to integrate education and skills development opportunities within the communities of East Newport.
