The Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett today announced an increase to £44 million to support the development of the University for Industry in 1999-2000. He hoped that UfI would stimulate demand for up to one million courses and learning packages a year by 2004, significantly improving the skills of the workforce.

Mr Blunkett said that local learning centres would back up the Information and Communication Technology based training on offer. Individuals would be able to learn in the workplace, at home and in learning centres located in shopping centres, libraries, colleges and other accessible venues.