Recommendation 26

In February 2022, DfE announced the creation of a Unit for Future Skills to look at data and evidence on where skills gaps exist and in what industries. The Unit will examine the interaction between the jobs and skills markets, and work with the Office for National Statistics to produce better data on skills demand.40 The Unit is a division within DfE, but is intended to work across government to also meet the information needs of other departments. DfE also intends that the Unit will engage with businesses and training providers in local areas, to establish what additional analysis they would find helpful.41 DfE told us that it was trying to make sure it was data- and evidence-driven in what it did and, in setting up the Unit, it was trying to give information to people to help them make decisions.