Chiefs from industry, unions and FE amongst those appointed.

“

The CBI boss Richard Lambert and Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC are amongst the Commissioners appointed to the new UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the Government announced today.

.

They will be joined by industry chiefs from the private sector, college heads and union bosses when the Commission starts work in April 2008 , taking on much of the work currently carried out by the SSDA and the National Employment Panel

Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary John Denham said: “I am pleased we have been able to attract a board of such a high calibre with such a broad range of representation from the private, public and third sectors, and from the trade unions. The UK Commission will have an unprecedented opportunity to influence the employment and skills systems of the four nations of the UK, helping our systems be more responsive, relevant and high performing for the 21st century.

The establishment of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills was a key recommendation of the independent report by Lord Leitch Prosperity for all in the global economy – world class skills. Sir Michael Rake, chair of BT is the Chair of the UK Commission; his appointment was announced in June 2007. Chris Humphries, director general at City & Guilds, was appointed Chief Executive in October .

Sir Mike said: ” We have a valuable and challenging role ahead. I look forward to working with my Board and with stakeholders across the nation to build a system of excellence to achieve our ambitions for a world class workforce.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain added: “Our aim is to achieve an 80% employment rate, but to do that we must ensure those looking for work have not just the drive but the skills to equip them for the modern work place. This is an impressive board bringing together a range of individuals with an outstanding track record of delivery in their fields. They will be driving change, helping to deliver economic competitiveness, social justice, and opportunity for all. “

The members of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills are as follows:-

Jeremy Anderson – Head of Financial Services, KPMG

Sarah Anderson – Owner, Mayday Group

David Brennan – Chief Executive,AstraZeneca

Stephen Carter – Group Chief Executive,Brunswick Group

Murray Coleman -Chief Executive, Bovis Lend Lease UK

Philip Green – Chief Executive, United Utilities

Larry Hirst – Chief Executive, IBM UK & Ireland

Chris Hyman – Chief Executive, Serco

Julie Kenny – Managing Director, Pyronix Ltd

Richard Lambert – Director General, CBI

Charles Mayfield -Chairman, John Lewis Partnership

Alan Gilbert -President & Vice-Chancellor, Manchester University

Ioan Morgan – Principal, Warwickshire College

Sir Robert Kerslake – Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council

Valerie Todd – Managing Director Group,Transport for London

Brendan Barber – General Secretary, TUC

Dave Prentis – General Secretary, UNISON

Grahame Smith – General Secretary, Scottish TUC

Lord Victor Adebowale – Chief Executive, Turning Point

Liz Sayce – Chief Executive, RADAR”