The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.

Our vision

Skilling up

This paper shows how the UK could implement a new scheme to support small businesses and workers while also filling skill shortages.

A pink strip at the top of the paper with the words: "Centre Think Tank ISSN 2634-4696". The paper is titled "Skilling up: How we fill skill shortages after the pandemic. Below is a light blue section with individuals from different careers, such as a doctor, nurse, builder and delivery driver. Below this are the words: "Briefing paper. By Torrin Wilkins, March 11th 2022. At the bottom is a white strip with the Centre Think Tank logo in pink beneath and the words "Commissioned by" with the Excluded Unity Alliance below this in turquoise.

Skilling up: How we fill skill shortages after the pandemic.

The UK is currently experiencing a skills shortage. We have seen thousands of new jobs but a workforce that isn’t qualified to do those jobs. This scheme would be a grant and training specifically targeted at those who missed out on support during the pandemic. It could be used specifically to retrain people for areas such as lorry driving, which desperately needs more people to be trained to reduce the current shortage.
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Quick summary

  • This plan sets out how we give workers the skills they need to either retrain or expand their existing skill set. This will help employees to either fill vacant jobs or expand their current jobs.
  • It will also target those who need financial support after the pandemic. Those who could not access the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme because of the £50,000 cap would be included.
  • This would require the Chancellor to put in place a new scheme to help people expand their skill set.
  • With the economy slowly reopening, such an investment in small businesses and individuals would help to boost the recovery. Not only for businesses but also in terms of increasing tax revenue.

Authors

Torrin Wilkins

Director and Founder

Torrin is the Founder and Director of the Centre. His experience includes authoring over a dozen papers and over one hundred policies. His policies have been backed by an All-Party Parliamentary Group of over 260 MPs and included in various party manifestos. He regularly appears in a wide range of print and broadcast media and previously had a weekly column for a national publication. He also has a degree in Political Studies from Aberystwyth University.

Commissioned by

The words "EUA CAMPAIGN" in turquoise. Next to this is a turquoise box with the words "WE MEAN BUSINESS". The side of the box is gone, and a series of smaller boxes are coming away from the main box. Next to this is the words "EUA CAMPAIGN" in turquoise.

Excluded Unity Alliance

The Excluded Unity Alliance Campaign supported those who were excluded from the government's income support schemes during the pandemic.
The words "EUA CAMPAIGN" in turquoise. Next to this is a turquoise box with the words "WE MEAN BUSINESS". The side of the box is gone, and a series of smaller boxes are coming away from the main box. Next to this is the words "EUA CAMPAIGN" in turquoise.

Excluded Unity Alliance

The Excluded Unity Alliance Campaign supported those who were excluded from the government's income support schemes during the pandemic.

Outcomes

Event speakers

Centre also had speakers at two Excluded Unity Alliance events alongside MPs, Shadow Ministers, celebrities, and representatives from organisations. These were covered by ITV, the Liverpool Echo, and Daily Express.

Support from MPs

A Centre paper was recommended to the Treasury by the Gaps in Support APPG, which included 260 MPs.

Goverment progress

Due to pressure from Centre, the Gaps in Support APPG, and other groups, the government decided to include an extra group in their income support schemes.

Event speakers

Centre also had speakers at two Excluded Unity Alliance events alongside MPs, Shadow Ministers, celebrities, and representatives from organisations. These were covered by ITV, the Liverpool Echo, and Daily Express.

Support from MPs

A Centre paper was recommended to the Treasury by the Gaps in Support APPG, which included 260 MPs.

Support from MPs

A Centre paper was recommended to the Treasury by the Gaps in Support APPG, which included 260 MPs.