To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what discussions he has had on the provision of a comprehensive labour market information service; what consideration he has given to involving the private sector in developing the service; and if he will make a statement. (214973)

The Leitch Review of Skills identified the need to improve the quality of labour market information (LMI). The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) which was launched in April 2008, has a role in monitoring the whole employment and skills system and is well-placed to take this work forward. The UK Commission will be producing a new enhanced standard and framework for sectoral LMI, and a range of products to support the use of labour market information.

In addition, the UK Commission will seek to improve the quality of LMI, which is collected and analysed by partners, to ensure its suitability, rigour, consistency and reliability across the UK. Employers are actively engaged in the work of the Sector Skills Councils in producing their sector-specific labour market information.