Exam delay fears over job losses at the skills council
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Advisers are concerned that the consultation process involving all staff at the Financial Services Skills Council will cause delays to the development of the QCF level four qualification.
Money Marketing revealed last month that all 37 staff at the FSSC have been put on a 30-day consultation notice.
Paladin Financial Services managing director Tim Purdon says staff will not be motivated to carry out the work that is required while they face the threat of redundancy.
He says: “Having been in a similar situation myself, I know there will be a lack of motivation among staff. They will be more worried about their own futures than anyone else’s and if they have any sense they will be looking around for other jobs. I cannot imagine the staff will be focused on the job at hand. Given the tight timescale to achieve the QCF level four qualification, we really need to know what the requirements are as soon as possible, otherwise we may have to push for an extension to the 2012 deadline.”
Skills council interim chief executive Liz Field told Money Marketing she does not yet know how many redundancies will result from the consultation but insists that work on the QCF level four exam standards is “motoring on”.
She says: “We do not anticipate any delays and work on the standard is continuing as normal.”
Evolve Financial Planning chartered financial planner Ian Pealin says: “It is quite concerning for IFAs in general. There needs to be a structure in place so the standards are developed on time. There are eno-ugh excuses for IFAs to delay studying without giving them more reasons.”
Syndaxi Chartered Financial Planning managing director Rob Reid is calling for the FSA to take over development of QCF level 4 exam standards if job losses at the FSSC cause delay.
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