THE North West faces a "significant skills" challenge, according to Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

And Mr Lewis, in his capacity as the Government's Minister for Adult Learning and Skills, has stressed that action must be taken to drive up skills levels across the region to meet the needs of employers.

He was speaking at the North West Skills Summit held in Warrington on Monday (Oct 14) where he heard directly from employers and others about how best to tackle the skill shortages and develop a world class workforce.

The results will form part of a Government-wide skills strategy and delivery plan to be published in the spring.

Mr Lewis said: "Demand for skills is rising and low skill jobs are disappearing fast. The latest CBI research shows that nearly one third of firms are expecting to recruit fewer people without qualifications during the next three years.

"Like other regions, the North West faces significant skills challenges. In a recent survey here, 25 per cent of employers reported skills gaps where people lack the full proficiency they need for their jobs.

"Whether these gaps are in numeracy or customer handling skills, we have to help people realise their full potential. This is essential both to improve their standard of living and for the future economic prosperity in the region."

He continued: "We need more people, in more businesses in the North West with the knowledge and skills to develop high value products and services and the innovation to match global competition."

Mr Lewis emphasised that skills were also fundamental in achieving high quality, modern public services. "Vocational and adult learning needs to meet more closely the skills actually required by employers in both the private sector and in public services."