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<p>Over the last 10 years the ICT sector has grown over two and a half times as fast
as the whole economy. In 2013, it contributed £113bn (7.5%) to the UK’s Gross Value
Added (GVA) and supported 1.3 million jobs in the UK. Over the next decade, employment
in the digital sector is projected to grow significantly faster than employment in
other sectors of the economy, while sustained growth is expected in the number of
IT specialists employed across the economy.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>Evidence shows that digital technologies will transform the economy by bringing
about efficiency improvements with resulting increases in productivity. This will
impact on the composition of the labour market. It is difficult to reliably quantify
this impact and estimates vary widely. International studies suggest that whilst demand
for certain occupations may be reduced by robotics and automation, many more jobs
would be created. For example, a recent study by the International Federation of Robotics
estimates that there would be a net gain of jobs as a result of introducing robotics
in industry.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The UK labour market is renowned for its
flexibility and is well-placed to respond to structural changes. In order to maximise
the opportunities presented by digital technologies, the Government is committed to
ensuring that individuals are equipped with the digital skills needed for current
and future job roles.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We are working in partnership
with industry to ensure that our education and training systems are providing the
right digital skills. We have reformed the computing curriculum to ensure every young
person is prepared for an increasingly digital world and reforms to apprenticeships
are enabling employers to set standards that meet their needs. In November, we announced
a pilot of short courses, which are accredited by business and provide up-to-date
digital skills. In December, the Prime Minister announced a National College for Digital
Skills, which will drive up standards in Further Education (FE), and ensure the FE
system prepares individuals for the future workforce.</p><p> </p>
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