The latest set of statistics before the general Election shows that job growth is continuing on an upward trend. Beatson has said that the economy’s challenge now is to raise the productivity of the jobs so that there can be sustainable growth

The right training and skills is the key to unlocking business potential.

That was the view of Mark Beatson, chief economist at the CIPD, who was responding to the labour market statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The latest set of statistics before the general Election shows that job growth is continuing on an upward trend. Beatson has said that the economy’s challenge now is to raise the productivity of the jobs so that there can be sustainable growth.

He said: “Now is the right time for businesses to invest in new equipment, processes and in developing the workforce – while interest rates remain low and before skills shortages become widespread.  With stable growth, the next government will also need to focus on increasing productivity – which doesn’t just increase living standards but makes it easier to reduce the deficit.

“Businesses and government need to recognise that people drive workplace productivity and that the right training and skills development is key to unlocking business potential. Simply getting more people into work isn’t a long-term solution for individuals or for economic prosperity. We must focus on whether those people have the skills, training and clear direction to do their jobs well and where they haven’t, take urgent and lasting steps to plug those knowledge gaps.”