Worker retraining seen as priority across Tasman

A major Australian industry group is calling on the Federal Government in Canberra to spend A$1 billion over the next three years to retrain workers.

The demand from the Australia Industry Group (Ai Group) comes as Prime Minister John Howard prepares to deliver a speech in Sydney today about the development of new skills for Australian employees.

Mr Howard has warned that many workers aged between 25 and 64 did not finish high school and, in some cases, lack good literacy and numeracy skills.

Ai Group chief executive Heather Ridout says a major injection of funding is needed.

"We're seeking a billion over three years to re-orientate the training system towards mature age training, to training the capability of the existing work force and lifting their skills," she said.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA