Moreover, the large numbers of people passing through the scheme and gaining experience of work would enlarge the pool of employable labour.

ECONOMIST: Unemployment policy

Now, as globalisation confronts each country's workers with a wider range of competitors, Labour chants the mantra of employable skills.

ECONOMIST: Adult schooling is to be the new engine-room of industry

The report also criticised the Key Skills qualifications in numeracy, communication and information and communication technology, brought in by the Labour government to try and make school leavers more employable.

BBC: metalwork class