The CTU has criticised today’s Budget for not doing enough to stimulate the jobs market and invest in skills.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said: “This was always going to be a tough Budget requiring difficult choices. But the Government could have done more in the short run to boost employment and has actually reduced planned funding on industry training.”

The Government’s memorandum of agreement with the Green Party on home insulation and energy efficiency announced today offers the potential to retain and create jobs as well as make families healthier, said CTU Secretary Peter Conway.

The CTU has welcomed the announcement by institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) of free or low-cost training for companies taking up Jobs Support Scheme subsidies (the ‘9-day fortnight’).

“Unions will continue to support and progress initiatives that build a high-skill, high-value workforce, and modern apprenticeships are a key part of that mix,” Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Labour's election pledge to create thousands more Modern Apprenticeship places would help to build a strong skill base that would lead to improved wages and opportunities and a stronger economy, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.