City & Guilds director-general Chris Humphries, is set to head up the new UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

In his new role, Humphries faces the task of creating a highly skilled workforce for the UK, increasing employment levels and engaging with more people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the workforce.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to head up this new and truly ground breaking organisation. At the same time, I will genuinely miss the excitement and energy of City & Guilds, which is a great organisation, and makes a huge difference to the lives and aspirations of so many people.”

Humphries, who is also chair of UK Skills, is expected to take up his new duties full-time in the New Year.