GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR HIGHER LEVEL SKILLS TRAINING IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

That this House notes that the success of the United Kingdom economy combined with rapid changes in technology has led to employers facing a scarcity of individuals trained to the necessary high standards in information and communications technology; welcomes the commitment of Her Majesty's Government to address such skills shortages and to promote access to training; but observes that although many individuals in low paid and low skill jobs would benefit from the opportunity to access higher levels ICT skills training their employers do not fund the necessary courses; further notes that many individuals in such jobs would, if given a helping hand, fund their own higher level training through part time and/or distance learning schemes; and invites the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review such options as allowing training costs to be tax deductible, VAT free, or otherwise less burdensome when paid through taxed income in order to ensure that such individuals are given an incentive to improve their skills as they are in several other European member states to their own benefit and that of the UK economy.