An expert has sought to play down the recent findings of a Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) study, which indicated that there is a lack of management and leadership skills in some UK industries.
Recruitment Society chairman Steve Huxham pointed out that a growing number of British businesses are importing top-level talent from abroad and accused the CIPD of "scaremongering" about the possible emergence of a skills gap.
"I think they have taken a very simplistic view," he said. "I don't think you can talk about management skills and productivity in just one country, because you're talking about international companies."
However, Mr Huxham agreed with the CIPD on the need to simplify the UK's skills system and called on the government to identify specific development strategies which could benefit firms in particular sectors.
Earlier this week, the CIPD stated in its research that public investment in training would only be effective if individual employees are given sufficient guidance in making the most of their abilities.
Posted by Cameron Thomson
