º£½ÇÊÓÆµ

Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Economic Development

Prime Minister to outline 'lifelong learning' pledge as part of coronavirus response

Boris Johnson is expected to say that adults without an A-level or equivalent qualification will be offered a free college courses to learn new skills

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a virtual press conference at Downing Street(Image: PA)

Boris Johnson will use a speech to promise guaranteed opportunities for life-long learning as he looks to help create a jobs recovery after the pandemic.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week, when unveiling his plan to support jobs after the furlough scheme is wound down next month, admitted not every job can be saved following the hit that Covid-19 has dealt the economy, with his focus turning to propping up "viable" employment.

But the Prime Minister will use a speech on Tuesday to outline his intention to create conditions for people to upskill at any stage of their life in a bid to help those made redundant to retrain for new positions.

Mr Johnson is planning to say: "As the Chancellor has said, we cannot, alas, save every job.

"What we can do is give people the skills to find and create new and better jobs.

"So my message today is that at every stage of your life, this Government will help you get the skills you need."

The guarantee, according to Downing Street, will see adults without an A-level or equivalent qualification offered a free, fully funded college course to provide them with "skills valued by employers".

They will also be given the opportunity to study at a time and location that suits them.