Today

A major investment in skills and learning has been unveiled by the government, amid controversy over a provocative slogan.

Over the next three years more than £11 billion a year will be invested in education, employment and training initiatives for young people and adults to help boost the country's job prospects.

However, Gordon Brown's tag-line of 'British jobs for British workers' has provoked some reaction amongst industry figures.

Dr John Philpott, Chief Economist of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), welcomes the news of investment in the future of the country's education. But he has urged the government to drop the 'British jobs for British workers' slogan, which he says makes no sense in economic terms and appeals to the worst sentiments in our society.

Dr Philpott continues: "A moment's reflection demonstrates the economic nonsense of thinking about jobs in a nationalistic way.

Dr John Philpott: "Talk of 'British jobs for British workers' is simplistic, misleading and at worst encourages racist and xenophobic elements in our society whose activities undermine the common good."

"Thousands of UK employees earn their living either directly or indirectly as a result of foreign investment. More still can thank the efforts of foreign entrepreneurs who have migrated to our shores to set up successful businesses. The jobs provided in these ways are 'British' only insofar as they are located here - many could be performed almost anywhere in the global economy. But no one in their right mind objects to them. Indeed the more 'imported' jobs of this kind the better for our overall living standards, not least because inward investors inject state-of-the art technology, adopt excellent management practices and offer relatively good pay and working conditions.

"The Government should make clear that its aim is to provide skills and jobs for the jobless in order to achieve full employment. If successful, this would limit the need for immigration at current levels, cut the associated costs and buttress the Government’s managed migration policy. But clouding this with talk of 'British jobs for British workers' is simplistic, misleading and at worst encourages racist and xenophobic elements in our society whose activities undermine the common good."

While some have been infuriated by Gordon Brown's slogan, which perhaps adds a political element of immigration to a subject which should be based on education and employment, it is clear that this government investment will surely help people of all ages to learn and develop new skills.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) has highlighted how the investment will bring with it a number of key improvements. For the first time funding will be targeted specifically at expanding apprenticeships for adults aged over 25, creating 30,000 additional apprenticeships costing £90 million over the next three years.

For young people, The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will play a crucial role in helping achieve the ambition to increase educational participation post-16, raise attainment at 19 and reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: "For millions of people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives - whether getting into and on at work, improving job prospects or simply putting more money into their pockets.

"For the country, skills and learning are the key to remaining globally competitive. Today's announcement amounts to a kick-start of the Government's drive to put Britain in the premier league for skills. This work will help ensure the future economic competitiveness of the country. It will raise aspirations, improve life chances and strengthen our families and communities."

The investment will come as welcome news for many who have criticised the government for a basic failing in the current education system. There has been huge worries about the number of people leaving school with no or very few qualifications, and who struggle to even read or write. Providing young people with an opportunity to learn something vocational, as well as improving basic educational standards, is something that will hopefully improve the future of the country's job prospects.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "We want every young person to make the most of their talent in life. Leaving school at sixteen without qualifications is not an option in today's dynamic world where everyone needs skills and qualifications. We must maximise the skills and knowledge of our young people to compete in the global economy. This significant investment in education and training is an investment in our country's future. We must provide teenagers with the right options and support as we prepare the ground to successfully raise the participation age to 18."