Future-Proofing Adult Learning in London, United Kingdom
Cities are not only home to around half of the global population but are also at the forefront of the transformation of jobs, skills and labour markets. Furthermore, cities play a leading role in the COVID-19 response, as the pandemic is not only accelerating megatrends such as digitalisation and automation that change the world of work, but is also challenging city economies. In London, COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented labour market shock, with several service sectors having been devastated. The crisis and its impact on employment and firms make skills development and adult learning more important than ever. London is the first major city within the OECD to introduce a comprehensive skills strategy. The report Future-Proofing Adult Learning in London, UK analyses London’s capacity to design effective adult learning programmes, which are critical for a strong and sustainable economic recovery and for preparing for the future of work. The report sheds light on major challenges facing London, especially in light of COVID-19, while also pointing to opportunities for London to design a future-ready adult learning system that responds to the impacts of the pandemic and aligns training to rapidly evolving labour market demands.
Assessment and recommendations
This OECD report comes at a time of great uncertainty as the world and London’s economy are facing the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which has been the source of an unprecedented economic contraction.Because of confinement and social distancing measures, London’s labour market experienced a significant shock that still lasts as the pandemic continues. According to estimates produced by the Greater London Authority in September 2020, London’s economy is likely to contract by more than 10% in 2020. Benefits claims in the UK capital have gone up by 154% between March and August 2020, with young workers affected the most. National support from the UK furlough scheme has helped to limit the damage so far. At the end of July 2020, more than 700,000 Londoners received support via the furlough scheme. The possible end of this scheme raises questions about how much unemployment could increase over the coming months and in 2021.
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