HAMPSHIRE and its cities have been urged to embrace the concept of lifelong learning in developing a multi-skilled workforce - or face the possibility of a decline in its prosperity.

Speaking at the third annual conference of the Hampshire Economic Partnership, Penny Melville, chairwoman of the emerging Local Learning and Skills Council, said the area's economy would increasingly rely on the skills of the entire workforce - not just those young people entering the labour market.

"Hampshire is an area of relative prosperity and much of the work of the council will be to ensure that our young people receive the education and training that will be of benefit to themselves, their communities and to their future employers,'' she said.

"However, unless the skills agenda is applied equally to workforce development, our businesses will suffer future skills shortages. As an economy we must compete on high value skills, not on a low-cost workforce.''

The LLSC will be committed to satisfying the skills requirements of business while enhancing the life chances of young people and adults.