3. Strategy for skills development

The skills and abilities of the UK workforce are key to economic growth, and are particularly important to Oxfordshire's knowledge-based, high valueadded economy. Businesses require well-qualified, enthusiastic employees with the right attitude, in order to remain competitive and increase productivity. These fundamental business needs must be the basis of any Learning and Skills Strategy or plan for economic development in Oxfordshire.

To stay competitive, Oxfordshire also needs to use the skills of those who are currently economically inactive

To stay competitive, Oxfordshire also needs to use the skills of those who are currently economically inactive, to support their entry into the labour market, and also to focus on reengaging those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and those stuck in low skilled, low salaried employment that does not provide opportunities for training or skills development.

This will also contribute to better economic prosperity, whilst increasing the quality of life and self-esteem of people in Oxfordshire. For this reason, the development of skills features as one of the core objectives for Oxfordshire's Strategy. The major concerns of the Strategy for the Skills Development are:

• Connecting education and business.
• Widening participation in training and learning.
• Investing in workforce development.