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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.
