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A REPORT compiled by leading figures from politics, education and business has called for changes to careers advice in England.

The findings from a six-month inquiry by the Skills Commission, part of Policy Connect, into information, advice and guidance services in England reveal a system of careers advice that is sometimes outdated.

The publication of the report coincides with an overhaul in funding of careers advice with local authorities becoming responsible for the provision of advice and guidance for young people.

The report calls on Government to take on board and apply key recommendations for future policy including: * Making sure people have better access to improved websites and forums where they can find information about training routes * Ensuring that people of all ages have access to careers advisors * Making it a statutory duty that learning providers deliver careers education to young people up to the age of 18 * Ensuring Local Authorities devote sufficient funds to Connexions Professor Mike Thorne, vice chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University and chair of the inquiry, said: "The Government's announcement that it will introduce an adult advancement and careers service represents a terrific opportunity.

"But, if the Government is serious about making the new service available to all, it needs to harness the power of the internet and revisit its decision to rule out a single all age advice service."

Andy Powell, member of the Skills Commission added: "High quality information, advice and guidance is vital for the UK to improve its skills base.

"The reality is that a fifth of adults in Britain do not feel they are in a job that makes best use of their skills and therefore we are urging the Government to listen very carefully to the recommendations of the Skills Commission."

3:38pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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