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The CIPD has said it supports the proposals announced by Gordon Brown in his pre-budget speech to increase borrowing and boost skills development.
The Chancellor came under fire last week after he revealed plans to increase borrowing by £9bn to £20bn to compensate for lower tax revenues and to maintain spending on public services.
John Philpott, the CIPD's chief economist, believes the Chancellor has made the correct choice. "The decision to increase borrowing to support public spending increases the chances of meeting the growth forecast without an increased risk of going into recession," he said.
The CIPD also backs proposals for a Modern Apprenticeship Taskforce to co-ordinate and promote the development of these schemes. And Philpott believes one of the reasons the apprenticeship taskforce is being formed is the increasing recognition of the need for greater emphasis on vocational skills relevant for the workplace.
He is in favour of plans outlined by Brown to invest £130m in extending employer training pilot projects for a second year, and proposals for improved links between business and colleges.
The CIPD also supports the Government's aim of improving the work permit scheme and extending the highly skilled migrant programme to help UK employers meet specific skills shortages.
