Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has today welcomed the announcement from Government of its Pathways to Work 2021-2025 strategy.
Ibec Head of Social Policy, Dr. Kara McGann said: "The announcement is recognition that the foundation of economic recovery will be underpinned by investing in people, skills and talent.
"Business particularly welcomes the strategy’s focus on addressing youth unemployment, given the potential long-term scarring effects of the pandemic on this crucial cohort of the labour market, who have been disproportionately impacted by Covid.
"The Pathways to Work strategy provides an opportunity to ensure that investment in skills development and reskilling is accelerated and aligned with the needs of the labour market.
"For this to be impactful, collaboration between employers, further and higher education providers and Intreo and the Public Employment Services must be encouraged and supported.
"The strategy is a recognition of the pace of change presently underway in our labour force, highlighting the need for agility in labour market policies and upskilling investments.
"Business hopes that this strategy will remain fluid to enable it to respond swiftly to this dynamic and uncertain environment as we emerge from the pandemic, and the impact it and Brexit has had on the economy and labour market."
