The
network of Sector Skills Councils will now cover the whole of the UK, after the
agency responsible for running them signed a deal with Northern Ireland and
Wales.
The
deals follow a similar agreement made with the Scottish Executive last month,
and sets out written principles underpinning the shared responsibility of the
new UK-wide group.
The
Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) also promised to take into account
differences in the constitutional position, levels of economic development and
education systems of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Christopher
Duff, chief executive of the SSDA, said improved skills were vital to the
growth of the UK economy and the newly-signed protocols demonstrated a
reinforced commitment.
