Commenting on official statistics released today (Tuesday) by the Learning and Skills Council, which shows the number of learners in further education and workplace training, TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie says: "It is encouraging to see that the number of young people and adults achieving accredited vocational qualifications through FE colleges and workplace training programmes continues to increase.

"But today's figures also show that the pace of progress must increase rapidly if we are to reach the long-term skills targets set out by Lord Leitch."

McKenzie added that Trade unions, employers and the Government all have a role in increasing the number of skilled workers.

"The Government must be prepared to use statutory measures to drive up the availability of high-quality, employer-based apprenticeships and give more employees the right to paid time off to achieve a minimum skill level," he said.