New forecast warns that the economy risks £3.3 billion of lost output if government does not invest to close the skills gap

The UK’s future economic success is in jeopardy, warns the Association of Colleges, as latest forecasting highlights the impact of not closing the country’s skills gapEMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01, THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019 The Government’s Industrial Strategy is likely to be significantly weakened, with skills shortages increasing and output reducing by at least £3.3 billion over the next five years, leaving young people much worse off, unless swift action is taken. The Government’s recent Employer Skills Survey showed an increase in the density of vacancies that are hard to fill – rising from 16