PublicationsRSS Feed
This section includes publications from the UK Commission, a collection of collaborative outputs and the archive of SSDA publications.
Labour Market Intelligence and analysis
A Theoretical Review of Skill Shortages and Skill Needs
12 May 2010
This publication, commissioned jointly with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), improves our understanding of the workings of the labour market and the ability of the labour market to meet the skill needs of employers. The analysis within this review will help inform the methodology used by the MAC to identify occupations that are considered to be skilled, suffering from shortages and which it would be sensible to fill through migration.
Big challenges bring big rewards : Big picture narrative
18 Apr 2012
Our first Thematic Review sets out the overarching context and the case for investment in skills.
Contributing to the Debate: Assessing the UK Evidence Base on Employment and Skills
1 Apr 2010
This paper summarises ten key issues for data relating to employment and skills in the UK, and explores in what ways these might be improved to support the continued improvement of the UK’s LMI landscape.
Defining and Measuring Training Activity
12 Jul 2011
This report details research into the training questions used in the National Employer Skills Survey 2009 and the UK Employer Perspectives Survey 2010. The report looks at how employers think about training in their own businesses. Do the questions capture all training activity going on in UK business? Is there a better way to think about the definition of “training”? The aim of the report is to inform and improve the way we think about and survey training in future.
Developing Occupational Skills Profiles for the UK: A Feasibility Study
23 Feb 2012
How can we improve our understanding of the skills required by employers and used by individuals in the UK labour market? This technical report examines how we could potentially exploit comprehensive occupational-level information collected and used within the US via the Occupational Information Network system (O*NET). The report describes the approach the authors took to match information from O*NET to UK Standard Occupational Classification codes and test the feasibility of the information being used in a UK context.
Disability and skills in a changing economy
21 Sep 2011
This Briefing Paper is one in a five part series which present analysis and commentary on equality and skills in a changing economy. This paper explores the issues and opportunities relating to disability and skills in a changing economy.
Employer Perspectives Survey 2010
25 Jan 2011
This Evidence Report presents the findings of the UK Employer Perspectives Survey 2010. The Employer Perspectives Survey (EPS) is one of two major employer surveys conducted on a biennial basis by the UK Commission. The aim of the survey is to provide robust evidence for policy makers regarding employers’ engagement and satisfaction with Government support for recruitment and workforce development.
Employer Perspectives Survey 2010 - Executive Summary
25 Jan 2011
This summary presents the key findings of the UK Employer Perspectives Survey 2010. The Employer Perspectives Survey (EPS) is one of two major employer surveys conducted on a biennial basis by the UK Commission. The aim of the survey is to provide robust evidence for policy makers regarding employers’ engagement and satisfaction with Government support for recruitment and workforce development.
Equality and Skills in a Changing Economy: Briefing Papers
21 Sep 2011
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has published this series of five Briefing Papers which presents analysis and commentary on equality and skills in a changing economy. Each of the papers focuses on a different equality theme or group: Disability; Gender; Low Skills and Social Disadvantage; Older People; and Spatial Inequality.
Gender and skills in a changing economy
21 Sep 2011
This Briefing Paper is one in a five part series which present analysis and commentary on equality and skills in a changing economy. This paper provides a gender perspective on the position and outlook for skills in a changing economy.
Horizon Scanning and Scenario Building: Scenarios for Skills 2020
29 Mar 2010
This report draws upon horizon scanning techniques, scenarios and interviews to identify the key drivers of change in the UK and globally which may impact on the employment and skills landscape in England by 2020. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Horizon Scanning and Scenario Building: Scenarios for Skills 2020 - Executive Summary
29 Mar 2010
This report draws upon horizon scanning techniques, scenarios and interviews to identify the key drivers of change in the UK and globally which may impact on the employment and skills landscape in England by 2020. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
International approaches to high performance working
8 Sep 2011
This report discusses how High Performance Working is interpreted in different countries; identifies how HPW is supported and encouraged in different sectors and types of business; and draws attention to areas for policy learning.
International approaches to high performance working - Executive Summary
8 Sep 2011
This summary presents the key findings from the International approaches to high performance working research. It discusses how High Performance Working is interpreted in different countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Sweden); identifies how HPW is supported and encouraged in different sectors and types of business; and draws attention to areas for policy learning, including successful models for supporting the implementation and raising awareness of HPW.
International approaches to the development of intermediate level skills and apprenticeships
30 Jan 2012
This report presents an international comparison of the intermediate skills systems (particularly apprenticeship programmes) in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. It develops understanding of how other countries have developed their intermediate level skills systems, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and lessons that can be learned in the UK.
International approaches to the development of intermediate level skills and apprenticeships - Executive summary
30 Jan 2012
This summary presents the key findings from an international comparison of the intermediate skills systems (particularly apprenticeship programmes) in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. It develops understanding of how other countries have developed their intermediate level skills systems, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and lessons that can be learned in the UK.
Labour Market Information (LMI), Information Communications and Technologies (ICT) and Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
5 Jul 2010
This publication has been commissioned by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. It analyses the interaction, roles and potential of three topics: the use and availability of Labour Market Information; the type and extent of ICT usage in relation to careers choices; and the availability, quality and usage of careers Information, Advice and Guidance. This is research that will help inform future UK commission recommendations on these topics.
Lessons from America: A Research and Policy Briefing
8 Nov 2010
This paper provides an overview of the methods adopted by the United States in anticipating labour market trends. It explores the benefits of being able to make detailed employment projections and considers the lessons the UK can learn from this.
LMI think pieces
1 Jan 2009
The UK Commission commissioned a number of leading academic experts to undertake 'think pieces', setting out how, in their view, current sources of LMI in the UK might be improved.
Low skills and social disadvantage in a changing economy
21 Sep 2011
People with low skills and no qualifications are at a significant disadvantage in the labour market. Competition for jobs means that this group is often at a disadvantage even when seeking employment in routine, low paid and often insecure jobs. This can lead to an above average risk if unemployment or even economic activity. This paper reviews the evidence relating to the disadvantage in the labour market faced by people with low skills and distils key policy issues in engaging and up-skilling the workforce as the UK strives towards a globally competitive, high value-added economy.
National Employer Skills Survey for England 2009: Key findings report
8 Mar 2010
This Evidence Report presents the Key Findings from the National Employer Skills Survey for England 2009 (NESS09), the newest edition of a time series of surveys that was established by the Learning and Skills Council in 2003.
National Employer Skills Survey for England 2009: Main report
2 Aug 2010
The National Employer Skills Survey for England 2009: Main report, follows an abridged Key findings report, which was published in March. NESS09 is an employer survey asking establishments about (i) recruitment problems, (ii) skills gaps, (iii) training practices and training expenditure, as in previous years, but also about skill updating needs in their workforce, the recession, and their product market strategies.
Older people and skills in a changing economy
21 Sep 2011
The ageing of the population has major implications for the economy, for labour supply and employer behaviour, as a growing retired population is supported by a shrinking workforce. Employers are increasingly recognising the need to make work more attractive to older people; despite recession older people are staying longer in work; which Government policy encourages. This paper provides an overview of the distinctive features of the older labour market and identifies policy issues which need to be addressed if we are to make effective use of older workers in future.
Product strategies, skills shortages and skills updating needs
12 Jul 2011
This report explores the relationship between firms' market strategies and their skills needs. Building on previous analysis and drawing on data from the National Employer Skills Survey, it addresses some key questions. To what extent do the skills available from a firm's workforce have a bearing on the markets in which it can operate? To what extent does a firm's market strategy shape its outlook on skills and its skill needs? These questions are of key importance when thinking about the economic case for skills and the challenge of galvanising sectors to improve the skills and productivity of their workforces.
Sector Skills Insights : Education
2 Aug 2012
This project is central to the UK Commission’s ambition to transform the UK’s approach to investing in the skills of our people. It outlines the performance challenges faced in the education sector, the ‘real-life’ skills solutions implemented by leading and successful businesses to overcome them, and the benefits from doing so.
Sector Skills Insights : Energy
27 Jul 2012
This project is central to the UK Commission’s ambition to transform the UK’s approach to investing in the skills of our people. It outlines the performance challenges faced in the energy sector, the ‘real-life’ skills solutions implemented by leading and successful businesses to overcome them, and the benefits from doing so
Sector Skills Insights : Professional and Business Services
2 Aug 2012
This project is central to the UK Commission’s ambition to transform the UK’s approach to investing in the skills of our people. It outlines the performance challenges faced in the professional and business services sector, the ‘real-life’ skills solutions implemented by leading and successful businesses to overcome them, and the benefits from doing so.
Sector Skills Insights : Retail
27 Jul 2012
This project is central to the UK Commission’s ambition to transform the UK’s approach to investing in the skills of our people. It outlines the performance challenges faced in the retail sector, the ‘real-life’ skills solutions implemented by leading and successful businesses to overcome them, and the benefits from doing so.
Sector Skills Insights : Tourism
2 Aug 2012
This project is central to the UK Commission’s ambition to transform the UK’s approach to investing in the skills of our people. It outlines the performance challenges faced in the tourism sector, the ‘real-life’ skills solutions implemented by leading and successful businesses to overcome them, and the benefits from doing so.
Skills and economic performance: The impact of intangible assets on UK productivity
17 Oct 2011
This research, undertaken by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, develops our understanding of the role that high-level skills play in improving economic performance and growth. Previous research has shown the links between high-level skills, the production of intangible assets, and increased productivity. This research builds on that work by using firm level data to prove these links at both lower sector and geographic levels.
Skills and economic performance: the impact of intangible assets on UK productivity - Executive summary
17 Oct 2011
This executive summary presents the key findings from research into the impact of intangible assets of economic performance. The research provides further evidence to demonstrate that firms with a higher proportion of intangible assets are more likely to be highly productive and experience higher growth.
Skills for Jobs: The National Strategic Skills Audit for Wales 2011 - Volume 1: Key Findings
23 Jun 2011
This publication, produced in conjunction with the Welsh Government, provides a concise overview of the first National Strategic Skills Audit for Wales. Knowledge of current and future skill needs can be powerful tool in developing the skills base in Wales. Empowered by this knowledge, individuals, employers, education and training providers and policymakers are better informed to make decisions to help meet the immediate and longer-term needs of a fast changing economy. This Audit represents an initial stage in developing outstanding labour market intelligence for Wales.
Skills for Jobs: The National Strategic Skills Audit for Wales 2011 - Volume 2: Evidence Report
23 Jun 2011
This publication, produced in conjunction with the Welsh Government, provides the detailed evidence base for the first National Strategic Skills Audit for Wales. The Audit seeks to contribute to a better-informed market for skills in Wales by providing individuals, employers, education / training providers and policymakers with greater insight into current and future skills needs.
Skills for Jobs: Today and Tomorrow - The National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010 - Volume 1: Key Findings
1 Mar 2010
This publication provides an overview of the key findings of the first National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010: Skills for Jobs: Today and Tomorrow. The Audit aims to provide government, as well as employers, providers, individuals and public agencies with greater insight and foresight into England’s existing and future skill needs. It identifies the sectors, occupations and skills on which we need to particularly focus so that we are able to effectively meet the changing needs of the economy and labour market. You can watch the NSSA video in our Multimedia section or visit our YouTube Channel.
Skills for Jobs: Today and Tomorrow - The National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010 - Volume 2: The Evidence Report
1 Mar 2010
Skills for Jobs: Today and Tomorrow is the first National Strategic Skills Audit for England produced by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. The Audit provides key intelligence on England’s existing and future skills needs in both current and emerging industries. The information contained in this and future versions of the Audit (which will be produced on an annual basis) will help the UK Commission to supply the analysis required to develop the nation’s skills base so that it meets the immediate and longer-term needs of a fast changing economy. Watch the NSSA video in our Multimedia section.
Skills for the Workplace: Employer Perspectives
4 Nov 2008
This report presents findings on a survey of 13,500 UK employers. It explores their experiences and perceptions of the skills system, the skill challenges they face, and their use of Vocational Qualifications (VQ) and a range of working practices.
Spatial inequality and skills in a changing economy
21 Sep 2011
Spatial disparities in employment and skills are entrenched and increased during the recession. There are also spatial variations in ambitions, aspirations and motivations. Localised outlooks may constrain ambition but such individuals are 'settled' not 'trapped' making rational choices to remain supported by current social networks. Government policy promotes a 'rebalancing' of the economy which in spatial terms is about 'sharing' growth rather than curtailing growth and reallocating it elsewhere.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Bio-medical Sector
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the bio-medical sector. For the purpose of this report the sector has been defined as the combination of the pharmaceutical, medical biotechnology, and medical technologies sectors; in other words, those industries which produce the drugs, therapies, and equipment for the health care system in the UK and abroad. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Bio-medical Sector - Executive Summary
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the bio-medical sector. For the purpose of this report the sector has been defined as the combination of the pharmaceutical, medical biotechnology, and medical technologies sectors; in other words, those industries which produce the drugs, therapies, and equipment for the health care system in the UK and abroad. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Financial Services Sector
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the financial services sector to 2020. The sector was selected for analysis on the basis of its importance to the UK economy. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Financial Services Sector - Executive Summary
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the financial services sector to 2020. The sector was selected for analysis on the basis of its importance to the UK economy. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Low Carbon Energy Generation Sector
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the low carbon energy generation sector to 2020. For the purpose of this exercise the sector comprises wind, marine, microgeneration, carbon capture and storage, and nuclear sub sectors. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
Strategic Skills Needs in the Low Carbon Energy Generation Sector - Executive Summary
22 Mar 2010
This report provides an assessment of the skills needs in the low carbon energy generation sector to 2020. For the purpose of this exercise the sector comprises wind, marine, microgeneration, carbon capture and storage, and nuclear sub sectors. The study is part of a wider exercise designed to contribute towards the UK Commission’s overall response to strategic skills, the National Strategic Skills Audit for England 2010.
The role of skills from worklessness to sustainable employment with progression
21 Sep 2011
This study provides a review of evidence on role of upskilling as a lever in helping people make the transition from worklessness into sustainable jobs with progression.
The role of skills from worklessness to sustainable employment with progression - Executive Summary
21 Sep 2011
The study provides an overview of the economic context for low pay and low skilled work and highlights the need for a continuing commitment to promoting opportunities in the labour market as a means of progression and alleviating poverty and encouraging social mobility. The authors argue that there is an inextricable link between skills and ‘better jobs’.
The supply of and demand for high-level STEM skills
22 Dec 2011
This briefing paper considers the supply of and demand for high-level science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in England. It aims to add to the evidence base on high-level STEM skills and identifies a number of areas for further discussion.
The use of LMI in online career direction and learning
24 Jan 2011
This publication, commissioned by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, improves our understanding of Labour Market Information (LMI) and its role in careers information, advice and guidance provision. The analysis within this review examines business models for the provision of LMI, types of LMI that can be made use of and the range of ways in which LMI can be utilised.
UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011: England Results
21 May 2012
This report is the first of four nation reports presenting the results of the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011 in detail for UK nations. Because the survey took place across the UK for the first time, we previously published a report for the entire UK. Our nation reports present information on a consistent basis with the legacy skills surveys in individual nations.
UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011: UK Results
18 Dec 2012
The UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011 is the first UK-wide employer skills survey, and one of the largest surveys of its kind in the world. The survey looks at training and staff development, vacancies unfilled because of skills shortages, gaps in employees’ skills, recruitment of education leavers, and a host of other measures to provide a comprehensive and robust picture of skills needs and training investment in UK business.
UK Employment and Skills Almanac 2009
15 Feb 2010
The UK Employment and Skills Almanac 2009 provides a comparable, comprehensive, and robust labour market information resource alongside the Almanac Online 2009 website (https://almanac09.ukces.org.uk). Four key themes are identified which are used to structure the report: productivity, employment, skills, and inequality. Indicators are presented across UK nations, regions, sectors, sector skills councils, and various socio-economic groupings, with international benchmarking for the UK undertaken where possible.
UK Employment and Skills Almanac 2010
5 Apr 2011
The UK Employment and Skills Almanac 2010 provides a comparable, comprehensive, and robust labour market information resource alongside the Almanac Online project site (https://almanac.ukces.org.uk) Four key themes are identified which are used to structure the report: productivity, employment, skills, and inequality. Indicators are presented across UK nations, regions, sectors, sector skills councils, and various socio-economic groupings, with international benchmarking for the UK undertaken where possible.
Working Futures 2007-2017
9 Dec 2008
Working Futures finds that despite the current crisis in both the world and the domestic economy, a more optimistic picture is projected for the labour market over the long term to 2017. Employment is projected to continue to rise over the decade as a whole, with the creation of 13.5 million job openings, of which two million will be new.
Working Futures 2007-2017 - Executive Summary
6 Jul 2009
Despite the current crisis in both the world and the domestic economy, a more optimistic picture is projected for the labour market over the long term to 2017. Employment is projected to continue to rise over the decade as a whole, with the creation of 13.5 million jobs.
Working Futures 2007-2017 - Technical Report
9 Dec 2008
Working Futures finds that despite the current crisis in both the world and the domestic economy, a more optimistic picture is projected for the labour market over the long term to 2017. Employment is projected to continue to rise over the decade as a whole, with the creation of 13.5 million job openings, of which two million will be new.
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