Government announces major skills shake-up

Written By Ben Coates
The government’s reshuffle has confirmed that the Skills brief has formally moved into the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)

The government’s reshuffle has confirmed that the Skills brief has formally moved into the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), but under the continuous leadership of leadership Baroness Jacqui Smith. In a significant new twist, her brief now spans both the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).

This marks a fundamental shift: skills are no longer just an education issue but are central to jobs, growth and the future of work. Skills policy will sit firmly within the context of employment, welfare, and productivity, aligning government training investment with the needs of the labour market.

Smith’s continuity in the role means reforms already announced, including the Growth and Skills Levy, foundation apprenticeships, and shorter apprenticeship pathways, will continue at pace.

Ben Coates
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