Managers working for local authorities need to take steps to improve the skills framework of their staff.

Such is the assertion of the Audit Commission, where in a recently-published report, it was revealed that councils should do more to address employee recruitment and retention rates, in addition to ensuring workers have the necessary skills in the current period of rapidly changing technology.

At present it was indicated that only a quarter of councils in England have workforce strategies and systems which are at least deemed to be adequate.

Furthermore, it was indicated that those public sector bodies which perform most effectively are likely to have good employee retention and recruitment plans in place.

Meanwhile, some authorities were reported as having difficulties in recruiting young people and key professionals.

Steve Bundred, chief executive of the Audit Commission, said: "Local government provides one in ten of the country’s jobs, so it is primarily a people business.

"Some councils are already doing an excellent job putting robust plans in place to deal with potential future skills shortages."

In other news, local government minister John Healey recently reported that authorities have made improvements in the ways they collect and use council tax for the eighth consecutive year.

More skills framework information.