BMG are undertaking a large scale survey on behalf of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. The purpose of the UK CES is to strengthen the employer voice, deliver greater leadership and influence and to achieve the best from the employment and skills systems.

The Commission produced a policy paper in October 2008 ?The Simplification of Skills in England? which sets out recommendations to government on simplification of the English post-compulsory skills system for employers.

This paper identifies six different types of complexity or confusion for employers:

1. Difficulties of access - employers do not understand the system
2. Complexity of programmes and initiatives ? employers are overwhelmed by the range of programmes and initiatives
3. Too restrictive constraints ? eligibility rules and limitations restrict ability to participate in a programme
4. Excessive bureaucracy
5. Complexity of structures and organisations ? the sheer number of organisations is bewildering
6. Rapidity of change

The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the recommendations made in the Simplification report and as part of this process is conducting a survey amongst 2,000 businesses. The purpose of the survey is to investigate businesses views on the skills system so that progress in the simplification agenda can be measured. UK CES would be very grateful for your organisation?s support in conducting this survey.

Replies will be treated in the strictest confidence under the Code of Conduct of the Market Research Society. Responses will be presented as aggregated statistics and will not be linked to individual companies or respondents without their prior consent. For further information, please contact Emma Parry, Account Manager or Thushara Madurasinghe, Project Manager on 0121 333 6006 during office hours. Alternatively, you may email any other queries to: emma.parry@bmgresearch.co.uk Many thanks for your interest in this project