Skills Council set to axe jobs (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Skills Council set to axe jobs

SWINDON'S Learning and Skills Council offices could face closure as the organisation prepares to axe more than 1,000 jobs.

The official body is responsible for improving the skills of young people and adults in England through a variety of vocational courses.

It has announced it is to axe 1,300 jobs under a new cost-cutting plan.

The cuts will force officials to close a number of Learning and Skills Council offices up and down the country.

But it is not yet known whether the Swindon branch will be among those facing closure.

A spokesman for the LSC said: "We cannot confirm how this will affect Swindon's office.

"No specifics have been decided yet.

"These cuts need to be made but we will ensure that the local LSC offices will continue to act on behalf of the community."

The LSC, which was set up in 2001, has confirmed that the plans will see staff numbers reduced from 4,700 to 3,400 and give a saving of £40m.

Chief executive Mark Haysom said: "I am acutely aware of the impact that this announcement will have on staff throughout the LSC.

"Over the coming weeks we will discuss these proposals with the union, other staff representatives, local councils and partner organisations."

He believes the LSC is capable of working more efficiently and effectively.

"We want to develop new, less bureaucratic and more strategic relationships with partners," he said.

"It will ensure better quality and more relevant training for employers and individuals.

"The LSC must make itself easier to deal with as an organisation and ensure that every penny works hard for the tax payer."

Bill Rammell, the Minister of State for Higher Education And Lifelong Learning said: "Today's announcement is an essential part of the council's agenda for change to the programme to deliver post-16 education more effectively on the ground for colleges, learning providers and students.

"It is also about ensuring that savings in running costs can be redirected to provide extra front-line services."

Mr Rammell said he expected voluntary redundancies to be offered wherever possible and for employment opportunities to be fully investigated.

The Public and Commercial Services Union said the plans will devastate post-16 learning and skills and will particularly affect the organisation's Coventry headquarters.

Stephanie Tye