Government contracts to include training

The government has published new guidance aimed at encouraging contractors to provide skills training and apprenticeships in all publicly-let contracts. In effect, companies can now be refused government contracts unless they set up training and apprenticeship schemes.

Skills secretary John Denham said: “To win big contracts firms must show they will promote skills and training at every stage of the procurement process.” The new rules come into effect from April 2009 and cover the £175 billion the state spends annually on goods and services. This includes £7 billion a year on construction. In this sector alone, the rules will create 7,000 apprenticeship places in the next three years.

The TUC supports the new guidance, saying it will help drive investment in workforce skills.

Promoting Skills Through Public Procurement can be found at: www.dius.gov.uk/skillsprocurement