Poor language skills a £7.3 billion ‘tax on trade’ for UK

A new research report The economic case for language learning and the role of employer engagement published today the Education and Employers Taskforce argues the economic case for language learning in Britain and how employers can help.

The decline in language learning is holding back both young people and UK plc. The report highlights consistently high employer demand for people with foreign language skills and how our lack of skills in effect creates a £7.3 billion ‘tax on trade’ for the UK.

It introduces Inspiring the Future as a new free way for people who use languages at work to volunteer to share real life experiences with young people at state schools and colleges in England.

Read The economic case for language learning and the role of employer engagement

Watch vox pops from the launch event to hear the views of delegates