Mike Cartwright, policy executive for Bradford Chamber of Commerce, writes: "Education, education, education" - the mantra of Tony Blair's first administration.

"Flagging up the needs of children, students and employers in this way was always going to be a vote-winner prior to 1997 and again in 2001 (Labour could always say that more time was needed following the bad management of the previous governments). But now that the feet are well and truly under the table, what has the Government actually done to improve education standards for the future workforce? Is the Government addressing the right areas in order to reassure parents, empathise with employers and yet help teachers and school staff?

The latest proposals, in the Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards Green Paper, aimed at 14-19 year olds, focuses on a more flexible curriculum to allow or promote more work-related study during those years. The proposals rightly point out that this form of study could, in the past, be viewed as appropriate only for 'less able pupils'. It seems fair to assume that society doesn't automatically benefit from paper qualifications and so a better response to individual needs and closer collaborations between schools, colleges and training providers (as well as employers) should be fruitful for all concerned.

The Green Paper also notes that socio-economic backgrounds continue to be a constraint to educational success. While it is not a surprise that less than 20 per cent of under-21s from lower socio-economic groups go to university compared with over 70 per cent from the highest, any moves to redress this imbalance can surely only help employers in this district, and so must be welcomed. Of course, the devil is always in the detail, but flexible access and delivery through ICT/e-learning, improved advice and guidance at crucial times (say at Key Stage 3, for 14-year olds), and reforming and recognising awards and achievements, could help local companies to enhance their business.

Key aims include increasing the numbers of, and commitment to, education and lifelong learning, enhancing the employability of young people both before and after higher education, and producing more motivation for people to contribute to a productive economy. This is certainly what we need in Bradford. Chamber members have been telling us that, in many sectors, there has been difficulty recruiting appropriately skilled and experienced (not to mention motivated) staff. While it would be preferable for local employers to recruit from among the local workforce, they cannot be blamed if they need to 'cast the net' wider than simply the local market.