A GOVERNMENT minister admitted the country had a skills deficit as he addressed an employment forum hosted by BAA Stansted.Key speaker Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, told over 80 guests from the private, public and voluntary sector organisations that the deficit had to be addressed, but said the Government needed help from businesses.

A GOVERNMENT minister admitted the country had a skills deficit as he addressed an employment forum hosted by BAA Stansted.

Key speaker Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, told over 80 guests from the private, public and voluntary sector organisations that the deficit had to be addressed, but said the Government needed help from businesses.

He told the meeting, held on Friday at the Radisson Hotel that skills were “the lifeblood” of the economy.

“But compared to many other countries, despite progress, we have a skills deficit,” he said.

“Only by addressing this will we retain our competitive edge in a world where rapidly-growing economies like China and India put a huge premium on education and skills. It's also the best way of ensuring higher standards of living for local people.

“The Government is committed to turning the skills situation around, but we can't do it alone. We need the business community to play their part. That's what I'm encouraging local businesses to do in Harlow, and why I'm supporting important initiatives like this employment forum here at Stansted.”