Investing in skills pays off

The economic and social cost of low-skilled adults in the EU

This report presents research undertaken by a consortium led by IES with Istituto per la Ricerca Sociale (IRS) for Cedefop.

The low-skilled are now clearly at the top of the European policy agenda: the New skills agenda for Europe includes a specific action aimed at supporting Member States in ensuring that every European acquires a minimum level of skills necessary to realise talent and potential fully.

The report seeks to provide comprehensive and robust evidence on low-skilled adults in the EU, their volume and characteristics, and their economic and social costs. Fully appreciating the benefits of updating the skills of individuals through adult and lifelong learning is essential support to the rationale for public intervention in this area and to designing and implementing effective policies tailored to this particular group.

A report summary is also available