Can higher education help solve the UK productivity problem?

Recently, Shadow Further Education and Universities Minister, Matt Western MP, led a spirited Industry Forum roundtable on whether higher education can help solve the UK productivity problem which has persisted since 2008. The meeting was hosted by Workday, the major US cloud-based people management software company, at its UK head office, in the City of London. James Johns, head of corporate affairs for Workday, welcomed the invited audience of executives, university professors and diplomats, and there was a general agreement on the large social and economic benefits of a lifelong approach to learning and skills training. In particular the UK should reverse cuts to the Sure Start programme, reform the apprenticeship levy system, learn lessons from other countries such as France and Germany and take more seriously the benefits of good qualifications and skills.