A new survey, conducted on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), shows that over half the country’s workers are worried about their job prospects as a result of the current economic crisis.
While the survey identifies the economic problems to be the key cause of insecurity in the workplace, it also demonstrates that the current situation is inspiring many people to rethink their career paths in a positive way, with over three quarters of respondents recognising the room for improvement in their skill levels and indicating a willingness to seek advice about improving their skill base. Two thirds of workers actually stated they felt learning a new skill would help make them feel happier and more secure in their jobs.
Nearly half also said that they believed an increase in their skills levels or training would help them to safeguard their current careers. Only 15 per cent thought a complete change of career or retraining would be necessary.
The top three skills respondents felt they could do with learning or refreshing were communication, IT and literacy (32 per cent); problem solving (26 per cent); and self-management skills (22 per cent). A quarter of respondents added they felt that an individual’s skills competency was the main ingredient for job security.
Skills Minister Lord Young said: “It is more important than ever that people have the opportunity to improve their skills to help them in the workplace. We are investing over £4 billion in further education and skills this year alone and Government is committed to making sure that everyone has the opportunity to gain new skills.”
Chris Banks, chairman of the LSC, added: “Learning new skills and retraining can lead to a refreshing career change, but it’s also important to realise that employees with transferable skills are often seen as the biggest assets to employers. A small investment in learning new skills will make you better prepared to tackle any eventuality, particularly in a tough economy.”
www.lsc.gov.uk
Visit the Fuse Learning website at: www.fuselearning.co.uk
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