Responding to Sir Keir Starmer’s speech announcing the launch of the Labour Party’s Opportunity Mission, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Government, the education system and employers must all do more and work in partnership to ensure children and young people have the skills they need for the world of work.

“A solid grounding in literacy, numeracy and digital skills is essential – together with great communication skills and early experience of the workplace.

“From early years through to further and higher education, we must ensure all children and young people develop the skills that employers need, leading them into good, sustainable jobs.

“Business will always welcome a government that commits to early years education with a view of developing children and young people’s skills to prepare them for a successful transition to the world of work.”