SKILLS TRAINING AND COMPUTEACH INTERNATIONAL

Early day motion 896, tabled 14 March 2003 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 39 members.

That this House note that the success of the United Kingdom economy, combined with rapid changes in technology, means employers face a scarcity of individuals trained to high standards in information technology; welcomes the commitment of Her Majesty's Government to address such skills shortages and to promote access to training, but observes that although many individuals in low paid and low skill jobs would benefit from the opportunity to access higher level ICT skills training, their employers do not fund the necessary courses; believes that many individuals in such jobs would, if given a helping hand as they are in many other EU member states, fund their own higher level training through part time or distance learning schemes; welcomes the suggestion of Computeach International, IT Training Company of the Year 2002-03, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer might review such options as introducing tax credits, or tax relief for training costs, making them VAT free or otherwise less burdensome when paid through taxed income, or providing direct grants, so that such individuals are given an incentive to improve their skills to their own benefit and that of the UK economy.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2, DUP 1.