Education and Training Foundation launches consultation on Maths and English skills for the workplace

The Government has been listening to concerns raised by employers about levels of literacy and numeracy in the workplace, and is taking action to help address this complex issue.

The Education and Training Foundation has been tasked to reform Functional Skills qualifications in maths and English, to ensure these are better recognised and valued by employers. Functional Skills provide adults and young people with essential knowledge, skills and practical problem solving ability, in order to operate confidently and effectively in life and work.

The Foundation has commissioned a national consultation, with various research activity taking place between January and July 2016. This will lead to a report with recommendations, as well as a revised set of Standards to underpin Functional Skills in maths and English.

The first part of this consultation has now been launched: an online survey aimed at individual employers to find out what maths and English skills (including reading, writing and communication) are considered essential in the workplace. It is vital that views are represented from employers of all sizes and across all sectors, to ensure the future of Functional Skills qualifications reflect what employers really need.

The employer survey can be accessed directly via: www.pyetait.com/fsreform/employersurvey

Further information is available via: www.pyetait.com/fsreform

The next phase of the consultation opens from late-May and will seek confirmation on revisions to the Standards, with particular weight given to the views of practitioners. Further information about the second phase will provided in due course. If you would like further information, please email .