British people feel that IT skills will be the most important to have by the year 2020 but the ability to communicate effectively is crucial to success in the modern workplace, the latest industry figures have revealed.

Following national Learning at Work day held on 22 May, the figures were compiled by lifelong learning charity, the Campaign for Learning, and Reed Learning. Over 500 entries to the 'Big Learn' competition were asked their thoughts on the most important skills for 2020 and the most beneficial to their career at present, as well as their views on the most and least skilled professions and on learning new skills.

IT skills in all forms came out on top as the most important for the future with 27% followed closely by communication skills at 23% and finally, adaptability came in third with 13%.

Entrants included employees from a range of sectors and levels, but across the board similar skills gaps were revealed. The same number of people (29%), including near equal numbers of senior managers, administrators and junior staff, admitted to having skills gaps in negotiating, work-specific skills and IT Skills.