Businesses urged to contribute to skills development consultation

Welsh politicians are calling on businesses to get involved in consultations about their plans for the future of skills development in the country.

It is hoped that the new Skills that Work for Wales scheme will help give employers more of a voice in the skills sector, ensuring that their opinions about the skills they need are heard by those involved in the sector.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister, said that Wales "cannot be complacent" when it comes to ensuring that its workforce has the necessary skills.

"In a world of rapid economic and technological change, skills are increasingly vital to the success of people, businesses, and communities," he argued.

"I urge businesses and individuals to help shape our agenda for skills and employment, and take an active part in this consultation process."

Businesses will be able to make their opinions head during the 12-week consultation period, with meeting to discuss the proposals scheduled to take place in Llandrindod Wells, Swansea, Cardiff and St Asaph in February and March.

It comes as figures reveal that employment in Wales increased in the three months to November 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006.