CIA takes skills issue to Labour

Manchester, UK — Government, trade union and chemical industry officials lined up for a Chemical Industries Association (CIA) meeting at the Labour Party conference to highlight their committment to tackling skills shortages in the UK chemicals industry,

The CIA launched the 26 Sept event with the publication of a survey showing that 83% of chemical businesses do not feel science is prominent enough in the UK education system. This, the association argued, showed the need for “a repositioning of the approach to science education and training in the UK.”

Addressing the CIA meeting, Bill Rammell, the Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education minister, agreed: “If we are to face up to the international challenges, particularly from China and India, we need to inspire many more young people as well as adults to study science.”

Trades Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber, meanwhile, insisted that trade unions are currently working closely with chemical manufacturers on a range of workforce skills issues.

Barber pointed to the TUC’s involvement with the new Sector Skills Agreement for the chemicals industry as evidence of such a joint approach and “a common agenda for tackling skills needs and promoting high performance working practices across the industry."

For his part, CIA chief executive, Steve Elliott said: “I would like to see lifelong learning move from concept to reality, which I believe will enhance not only individual opportunity but also a greater appreciation of science.”

The CIA leader concluded : “What lies before us - government, trade unions and industry - is a massive challenge. On behalf of chemical businesses in the UK, I say we are ready for that challenge.”