Skills drive for government workers

A joint statement agreed by business and union leaders, voluntary groups and ministers said the quality of services could be improved by raising the skills of workers.

All employees delivering Government services should be given access to training for basic skills as well as access to trade unions, said the statement.

The objectives already form part of the Government's policies for its own employees but the aim is to spread them to contractors.

Cabinet Office minister Tom Watson said: "It is by working in partnership like this that can we achieve real progress and deliver on the Government's skills agenda."

Skills Secretary John Denham said: "Public sector procurement amounts to some £150 billion every year. That spending can be a powerful lever for taking forward our priorities, whether that means securing more innovation or improving the nation's skills.

"This joint statement complements the skills pledge that all government departments have signed. It illustrates our commitment to lead the way on improving the skills in the public and private sector and to enable those who work for us, whether directly or indirectly, to progress in life and work."

Susan Anderson, director of public services at the CBI, said: "Good public services value those who work in them, with managers responsive to both the public and employees. That is why the CBI endorses these guidelines as a basis for ensuring the staff in public services, in all sectors, are valued and get the opportunity to develop."

Business Services Association chief executive Mark Fox said: "It is welcome that we have all been able to set our hand to signing this document, which provides a good basis for continuing constructive relations."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said Tuesday's document did not change the law or introduce any new rights for workers.