The first National Strategic Skills Audit, commissioned by the government and published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, shows that the last decade has seen unprecedented increases in the number of people with qualifications. However, the report warns that if the economic recovery is to continue it is important that future skills development needs are correctly identified and prioritised. If this is not achieved then the country runs the risk of increased skills shortages and under-employment, it says.

It also finds that:

• The number of people reported as ‘not fully proficient’ at their jobs has increased by 400,000 from 1.3 million in 2005 to 1.7 million in 2009; 
• Leadership and management skills and technical skills are in need of particular improvement;
• The UK’s growth in good jobs is one of the lowest in the developed world.