Skills shortages and poor performing careers services are making it harder for jobseekers to find work, according to a new London Assembly report.
The report, published on Tuesday by the Assembly’s Economy Committee, says one in six London jobs remains unfilled because there is no-one with the right expertise to do the job.
It also says inadequate careers services are failing job seekers, especially those over 50, parents, women and those in low paid work.
IN their report, the committee highlight research showing nearly three times as many 50 plus workers wish to continue their careers than wind up for retirement and that 61 per cent of women said their career-based decisions had changed significantly since having children.
Assembly Members have called on more tailored support for these groups and says the Mayor’s London Enterprise Panel needs to have a clear role in shaping careers services to ensure they reflect the needs of employers, workers and the economy.
The report also calls for greater transparency and enhanced inspections of careers services and for London government to gain “a clear role” in shaping services in the capital.
Launching the report on behalf of the London Assembly Economy Committee, Assembly Member Andrew Dismore said: “There are over 4.3 million in London’s labour force, many of whom are looking to get back into work or to progress into a better role, yet one in six job vacancies is unfilled because no-one has the skills for the role.
“That is where the careers service should step in by identifying growth areas, working with employers and helping people gain the skills they need. However in London, services are not up to the job, particularly for the over 50s, working parents and those in low paid positions who need tailored support.
“If we want London to thrive in these difficult economic times, the capital’s careers services need to improve so people can fulfil their promise and employers can find the workers they need.”
