Training and skills essential to economy and reducing poverty -Burnham comments

12.00.00am GMT Tue 4th Mar 2008

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children and Young People, today welcomed the goals of the Webb report but challenged the government to eliminate the basic skills gap to ensure positive future for our Welsh youth.

Ms Burnham said:

"As a former teacher of underachieving disaffected 14-16 year olds, I can see that there is a huge basic skills gap and it is really quite sad that many people fall into the 'not in education, not in employment, not in training' category.

"The Webb report highlights the alarming situation of basic numeracy and literacy rates in Wales. It is of the utmost concern and I strongly believe that further education and lifelong learning is the key to personal growth and raising many people, particularity young adults, out of poverty.

"The Welsh Assembly Government's willingness to address the problems surrounding deficiencies in 'softer' or cognitive skills which are vital basis for any interaction within the workplace is very welcomed."

Ends/Diwedd