BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall responds to reports on the unpublished Oakervee Review, seen today in the Financial Times.
Multiple changes to the skills system, varying quality training and resources and an evolving working environment mean that UK business struggle to find the right people for their teams. Chamber research shows that over half of UK businesses say the time taken to fill average vacancies is longer than five years ago.
The Chamber Network is working with government, businesses, academics and employees to address these crucial issues by focusing on three key areas:
This UK-wide, policy-led Commission will create a strategy to make the skills system work better for business. It will focus on:
Our Commissioners are high profile, influential thinkers and leaders in their field and in the skills arena.
The Commission’s first Call for Evidence is open from 3 December 2019 - 3 February 2020.
Chambers are invited to submit views, ideas, examples of best practice, survey data, other evidence and case studies etc.
Chambers across the UK are bringing together businesses of all shapes and sizes, to discuss the ongoing problem of skills shortages and what employers can do to maximise untapped talent already in the workplace.
Contact Jane Gratton for further information.
In February 2020, Business Showcase Days will open the doors of Chambers and businesses to their local communities, providing a chance for people to see first-hand the range of different career paths on offer in local businesses.
Chambers tell us that businesses across the UK are struggling to attract and retain homegrown talent, and that school and college leavers aren’t aware of the job prospects in local firms. Chambers of Commerce are uniquely placed to help their local communities thrive and introduce them to the career opportunities in local companies.
Business Showcase Days will also help Chambers build connections with local schools and colleges and position Chambers at the forefront of harnessing and developing local talent.
For more information and to get involved, please contact Faye Busby.
The third phase of the campaign will be to support business in the recruitment and retention of a skilled and diverse workforce. Our research found a 39% increase in the number of employees requesting flexible working arrangements compared to two years ago. To be launched in 2020, the flexible working initiative will provide firms with the guidance and resources to create modern, flexible working environments for all employees.
The focus is to enable firms to recruit from a wider talent pool and retain workers who might otherwise leave the business by helping firms establish their own flexible working policies.
Together our campaign will celebrate, support and develop the people at the heart of our business community.
There are numerous ways to get involved, so get in touch with the Chamber team today!
BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall responds to reports on the unpublished Oakervee Review, seen today in the Financial Times.
BCC Co-Executive Director Claire Walker responds to the Chancellor’s comment that there will be no regulatory alignment with the EU after Brexit.
This month, Chambers of Commerce across the four nations are bringing businesses together to discuss the ongoing problem of skills shortages and how to overcome them.
