This is the fourth in our monthly series briefing you with the lastest news and reports from the UK government as they affect the training and development world.
This month: The government is asking for responses to its basic skills strategy launched in December. 'Skills for Life' sets out the government's target to reduce the number of adults with literacy and numeracy problems by three-quarters of a million by the year 2004. Comments are invited on the strategy by January 15th.
31 January:The New Deal scheme has helped far more young people than was originally thought, says Employment Minister Tessa Jowell. New figures apparently show that an estimated 75,000 more young people find work than official figures currently state.
25 January:Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett announces the appointment of Terry Morgan, Dennis Richards and Ray Shostak to the Board of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Mr Blunkett also announced the re-appointment of two serving members, and the appointment of Ian McAllister (also a serving member) as Deputy Chairman in succession to Sir Dominic Cadbury.
11 January: Education and Employment Minister Tessa Blackstone announces that £27 million will be put forward to encourage higher education students and staff to undertake voluntary and community work. Half of the funding comes from the Active Community Settlement launched by Chancellor Gordon Brown, with half coming directly from the Department for Education and Employment.
10 January: At the BETT 2001 conference, Michael Wills announces the launch of four new schemes designed to further encourage and develop the use of information technology in schools.
2 January: The government announces that 'Britain has 2,600 young entrepreneurs thanks to New Deal' by providing assistance for unemployed young people wishing to become self-employed.
1 January: The New Year's Honours list includes a number of those involved in contributing to learning and skills. They include Jacqueline Henderson, TEC National Council who receives a CBE for services to education and training, Professor David Melville, Further Education Funding Council, who receives a CBE for services to education and Edward Anthony Charles Robinson, Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative, who is awarded an OBE for services to training and to small firms. The Times has a full list of those who have been recognised.
Previous issues
Government Watch December
Government Watch November
Government Watch October
