The North-East is to benefit from an initiative designed to tackle low skills levels and improve business productivity.

The region is one of only two nationally chosen to pilot a Skills Trial, which brings with it funding entitlements for training to meet the needs of employers and individuals.

Led by the North-East's Learning and Skills Councils, the trial begins in September and implements recommendations from the Government's national Skills Strategy, published last year.

It aims to maximise the contribution of skills in raising productivity, improving economic competitiveness and providing sustainable employment.

The programme, which targets 600,000 people in the region, will be adapted and rolled out nationally from September next year.

Chris Roberts, regional director of the Learning and Skills Council North-East, said: "This is great news for the North-East and a major opportunity for us to lead the way in implementing policy changes that will have a positive impact on the region's, and ultimately, the UK's economy and competitiveness."

The offer for individuals includes an entitlement of free tuition to help adults who need it to get a good skills foundation for employability - a qualification equivalent to five good GCSEs or a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2.

North-East bosses will benefit from subsidised, tailor-made skills training for staff and, at the same time, be reimbursed with a contribution towards the cost of their employees' wages as they learn.