David Willetts

Official statistics published today show the Government is a decade behind schedule with the Leitch target of having 90 per cent of adults with the equivalent of five good GCSEs (Level 2 qualifications) by 2020. Figures from the Government show that three in ten adults do not have the basic level of qualification.

Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Willetts said:

“This is another Government education target that ministers are failing to meet. Gordon Brown talks endlessly about the Leitch agenda on skills, but these latest figures show he is a decade behind schedule on delivering it.

“On these figures, the Government are nowhere near meeting their targets for Level 2 qualifications. Ministers are failing to prepare the British economy for the tough international challenges that lie ahead.”

ENDS
Notes to Editors

1. New statistics on ‘The Level of Highest Qualification Held by Adults’ were issued by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills today. These show 70.6% of working-age people have a level 2 qualification or above.

2. The 2006 Leitch Review of Skills proposed a UK target of 90% of adults with a level 2 qualification by 2020 and a further target of 95% as soon as possible thereafter. At the current rate of progress (0.9% a year), England will not reach 90% until 2029.

3. The Leitch Review said, “even if current targets to improve are met, the UK’s skills base will still lag behind that of many comparator countries in 2020. The UK will run to stand still.” (p.3)