Remote Working: Training

(asked on 4th February 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the need for new skills training on working in a remote environment.


Answered by
Gillian Keegan Portrait
Gillian Keegan
Secretary of State for Education
This question was answered on 11th February 2021

The government appreciates how difficult it can be for both employers and employees to adjust to new and different working environments and recognises they have adapted well across the country during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, remote working arrangements and any training needed for remote working are matters for relevant employers and not this department. Many employers and organisations have developed best practice and guidance in their areas, such as the Local Government Association, which has made available advice on remote working here: https://local.gov.uk/our-support/workforce-and-hr-support/wellbeing/remote-working-top-tips.

We recognise the importance of digital skills for employability and participation in society. Therefore, we introduced a legal entitlement in August 2020 for adults with no or low digital skills to study new Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs) at entry level and level 1 for free. The digital entitlement mirrors the existing legal entitlements for English and maths and will provide adults with the digital skills needed for life and work. EDSQs are a new qualification type, based on new national standards for essential digital skills, designed to meet the diverse needs of adults with no or low digital skills.

We also support the provision of basic digital skills training for adults in community settings through the Adult Education Budget.

The department funds a wide range of support and training to help teachers to develop their skills and confidence in using technology and teaching effectively online.


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