More
than 60 per cent of car parts manufacturers in the UK say their profits are
being hit by a lack of skills among their workforce, according to a new survey.
The
poll of more than 200 companies by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and
Traders Industry Forum found a majority of firms believed a lack of employee
skills, either in their own company or in companies supplying to them, was
affecting profitability.
Seventy-five
per cent said that the capacity and capability of their product development
teams was being held back by lack of skills and half claimed that that skills
shortages were greater in the UK than in other countries.
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David
Cragg, Learning and Skills Council regional director in the West Midlands,
called for more employer involvement in developing appropriate qualifications
and getting involved in regional networks, such as the Automotive Academy.