Responding to the latest skills survey data from the Department for Education

Date:

24 07 2025

Authors:

Stephen Evans

Tagged by:

Lifelong Learning

Share:

Responding to the latest skills survey data, 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.
These numbers also mask substantial inequalities within construction. Women account for only 10 per cent of starts in construction apprenticeships so far this year, compared to 51 per cent of apprenticeships overall. In addition, this year only 9 per cent of construction starts are by individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds, with particularly big disparities for apprentices from black or Asian backgrounds. The following years therefore present a unique opportunity to not only further boost apprenticeship numbers in the construction sector, but to expand their reach to wider groups. The new Government should work with employers and providers to seize this.

Contact

For more information and to arrange to speak to a spokesperson, contact our Press Team.
press@learningandwork.org.uk
  • Research and Reports 28 05 2025

    Lifelong learning and skills for longer lives

    Funded by Phoenix Insights, this research builds an evidence base on the employment-related impact of lifelong learning on individuals, employers and the wider economy.
    Read more
  • Research and Reports 01 05 2025

    Learning the lessons

    ‘Learning the lessons’ is the third report produced as part of our Ambition Skills programme of work. It looks at the history of adult learning and skills, going back to the late 19th century, and lessons that can be learned.
    Read more
  • Projects 14 05 2024

    Ambition Skills

    Our Ambition Skills programme, supported by City and Guilds and NOCN, explores the economic and social case for the UK to have a higher ambition for skills.
    Read more