Retailers have responded to the call from Skillsmart Retail to get involved in the skills agenda and to make their voice heard. Some 400 small and medium sized retailers across the UK and close on 50 in the North West have already put their names forward for membership of the regional retailer reference groups that were set up earlier this year.

Sarah Fischer Skillsmart Retail's Regional Manager for the North West is pleased with the response but would like to see more retailers getting taking an active interest. "Feedback from retailers is crucial to our work in raising the profile of the sector as a career and in ensuring that the publicly funded education and training system delivers the skills that the industry needs. Just as important is that we as an industry are seen to be serious about the skills agenda and the development of those that are employed in the sector. Failure to impress government and its agencies will undoubtedly lead to their taking decisions on behalf of the sector which won't necessarily be welcomed and could result in the introduction of policies that are contrary to the needs of the sector".

Any retailer employing less than 250 staff can put themselves forward for membership of the retailer reference groups, which have been set up throughout the UK including most counties and the nations. The task is not onerous for those who join the groups, which will be consulted on skills issues that affect retailers either through the post, by email or at times by phone. Consultations will be short and to the point and will cover issues such as the Tomlinson proposals, changes to the 14 - 19 education system, the funding of Apprenticeships etc.

Retailers can find out more by contacting Sarah Fischer on 0779 596 2443 or by email at sarah.fischer@skillsmartretail.com. Alternatively further details can be obtained from www.skillsmartretail.com.