Skills Pledge Update

The Skills Pledge is a public commitment made by an organisation to invest in the skills of its workforce.

The latest figures show that it is continuing to grow. To date 23,323 employers have made a commitment to the Skills Pledge, covering approximately 7.2 million employees.

The Skills Pledge supports organisations to develop a training plan that delivers bottom line benefits for their organisation. Employers appreciate that making the Skills Pledge can also help to unlock the potential of their workforce and result in a range of business benefits, including:

• expert advice at no cost to the business
•  higher productivity and efficiency levels
•  improved levels of customer service
•  a motivated workforce
•  increased staff satisfaction
•  higher retention rates
• being an employer of choice
• a positive perception by others — clients, employees, community and competitors.

Any organisation in England, no matter what size or sector, can make the Skills Pledge. New employers to make the Skills Pledge during November 2009 include JD Wetherspoon Plc, G4S Utility Services (UK) Ltd, Atkins Ltd and the Lambeth College.

You can find out more about the Skills Pledge and how to make it, from your Business Link Adviser. Visit the website to find out more about the Skills Pledge, or you can make the Skills Pledge via the online route.

Skills Pledge

Skills Pledge online route

J D Wetherspoon

G4S Utility (UK) Ltd

Atkins Ltd

Lambeth College