FUTURE-PROOFING ADULT LEARNING IN LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Executive summary
1 Assessment and recommendations
	Managing labour market uncertainty due to COVID-19
	COVID-19 will likely accelerate automation, which will fundamentally change London’s labour market
	Before the global pandemic, skills gaps and mismatches were significant labour market challenges in London
	Adult learning is more important than ever before, as the changing world of work calls for targeted support through learning and training for workers and firms
	What are the policy opportunities for London to future proof its adult learning system?
		Creating an adult learning ecosystem in London
		Bringing employers on board to strengthen investments in adult learning and workplace training
2 Enhancing adult learning in light of the consequences and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic
	Introduction
	What is the impact of COVID-19 on London’s economy?
		London has a strong economy but large labour market inequalities exist
		COVID-19 heightens risks of employment and job loss, especially among vulnerable groups
		The pandemic has changed the way people work, with a fundamental shift towards remote-working
		What happens when furlough ends?
	The adult learning system in London and its relevance for a sustainable economic recovery that offers new opportunities for all
		Adult learning is more important than ever
		Developing a vision for adult learning and skills in London
		How does London plan to deliver its skills and adult learning vision?
		Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult learning in London
	Devolution of the UK adult learning system: Opportunities and challenges for adult learning in London
		The UK has a complex and fragmented adult learning system, which limits the room for manoeuvre in London
		Adult learning and skills funding is also highly centralised and has been falling
		Devolution: What are the challenges for London’s adult learning system?
	References
		Notes
			Annex 2.A. Comparison with OECD metro areas
3 Preparing London for the impact of automation and technological change
	Introduction
	Stagnant labour productivity and changing skill needs pose challenges for London’s economy
		Sluggish labour productivity London leaves room for improvement
	The future of work: how is automation reshaping London’s labour market?
		Automation threatens a third of jobs in London
		Vulnerable groups are most exposed to automation risks, potentially leading to greater socio-economic disparities in London
		Labour markets in London and other metropolitan areas are polarising, partly reflecting a shift in labour supply
	What other challenges and opportunities could have an impact on London’s labour market?
		Non-standard forms of work can offer flexible work arrangements
		Part-time work has increased in London, the UK and across the OECD
		The number of self-employed are on the rise in London
	References
4 Strengthening the involvement of employers in adult learning
	Introduction
	Evidence on skills gaps and mismatches in London
		Skills mismatches hold back labour productivity in London
		London experiences skills shortages and gaps skills shortages, which risk being exacerbated by COVID-19
	What are the main challenges that employers in London face in terms of skills?
		Vacancies and their main drivers
		Skill-shortage vacancies and their consequences for firms
		Skills gaps in firms in London
	The current employer involvement in adult learning and training in London
		Using apprenticeship programmes and vocational education to tailor skills supply to skills needs
		Job-related training has fallen in London, especially since 2015
		Raising the standard by enhancing and expanding high performance work practices
	References
	Note