Invest 2035 is the government’s 10-year strategy to drive economic growth and stability. Set to be finalised in Spring 2025 following a period of consultation, the strategy places people and skills at its core, recognising their vital role in achieving economic success.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) surveyed 233 UK employers in November 2024 to gather insights on upskilling priorities. When asked what the government should focus on, employers responded:
Upskilling the existing workforce (57%)
Expanding vocational training routes (41%)
Boosting digital training and skills development (40%)
Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship (36%)
Increasing investment in STEM education and training (30%)
Attracting international talent (20%)
Through this ambitious plan, the government aims to provide businesses with the certainty they need to invest in high-growth industries, breaking down barriers, creating quality jobs, and spreading benefits across the UK. The goal is to attract more global investment while supporting domestic businesses to thrive, building a greener, fairer, and more resilient future.
Editors Thoughts
The UK economy has faced significant turbulence over recent years and therefore any strategically and well thought out plans to stabilise and balance the economy are very much needed and warmly welcomed.
With new technologies and AI gaining prominence, we need to ready ourselves for the skills and the jobs of the now and the future to keep an engaged workforce and so the UK can continue to compete on the world stage.
As more people opt to choose more non -traditional paths; bootcamps and apprenticeships as opposed to universities and self- employment and entrepreneurship as opposed to employment, there is real opportunity for meaningful government support along with employer backing. However, balance between intervention and innovation should be maintained so as not to stifle and restrict innovative growth.
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