Skills shortages are only part of the skills problem in the UK. This report seeks to tackle the missing side of the debate by showing how the underuse of skills, especially at the lower end of the labour market, represents a barrier to both social mobility and the competitiveness of the UK economy.

The report warns that the underuse of skills in the UK is resulting in lost productivity both for businesses and the economy as a whole. It draws on case studies in the retail and hospitality sectors and asks experts from government, trade organisations and unions, along with other leaders in the field, to give their opinions on why they think this is happening, as well as what they think should be done.