Santander UK has sounded the alarm on the urgent need for the government to prioritise leadership, digital, and sustainability skills to address the UK’s productivity crisis. In its newly released report, Tomorrow’s Skills, the bank highlights the challenges facing the workforce, shaped by three key societal shifts: changing work attitudes, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and climate change.
This comes at a time when UK workers are spending 20% less time in training compared to a decade ago. The report, which features a foreword by The Rest is Money presenter Steph McGovern, emphasises the critical role education plays in preparing the workforce for these challenges.
Skills Gaps and Emerging Challenges
Santander’s survey of 3,000 adults revealed that many workers are unaware of how emerging shifts could impact their roles. While 69% of respondents expect to remain in their current field, only a small portion is taking active steps to upskill for the future. The findings show that 63% of workers recognise the need to stay updated on new technologies, and nearly half believe businesses should embrace AI to boost productivity. However, a considerable 47% of young workers (aged 18-34) fear AI could replace their jobs.
In addition to technological concerns, the drive towards a Net Zero economy is becoming increasingly pressing. The transition is moving from ambition to reality, yet only 35% of respondents believe it will affect their jobs, despite widespread awareness of climate change.
New Free Learning Platform: Santander Open Academy
To help bridge the skills gap, Santander has partnered with EdTech platform xUnlocked, Fearless Adventures, and creative agency House 337 to launch Santander Open Academy. The free online education platform is designed to provide UK adults with bite-sized, video-led content covering green, digital, and leadership skills. The initiative is aimed at preparing the workforce for the evolving economy by equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
“We are proud to invest in education and skills development from school level through to university, supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, and now, with this platform, the wider public,” said Mike Regnier, CEO of Santander UK. “Our new adult education programme focuses on the key shifts in the economy. Together, government, educators, and industry can enable workers to upskill and take advantage of global economic trends.”
A Campaign with a Twist: Ant and Dec Join the Movement
To promote Santander Open Academy, the bank launched a national campaign featuring iconic TV duo Ant and Dec. In a playful ad created by House 337, the pair, who play fictional CEOs of the “Bank of Antanddec,” accidentally lock themselves in a safe while trying to guard their potential, having misunderstood the bank’s call to “unlock” skills through the platform.
The ad, produced by Mitre Studios, is running across multiple platforms including video-on-demand, connected TV (CTV), and social media. It’s a humorous approach designed to appeal to a broad audience, promoting the message that education and skill-building are vital for everyone, regardless of industry or age.
The Future of Education and the UK Workforce
Journalist Steph McGovern emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, noting: “The organisations that do well are the ones who take a proactive approach to training and development. Santander’s report shows that most people want to access educational opportunities while in work, but workers can’t do that on their own.”
Santander’s new report and learning platform come at a crucial time. With AI and climate change reshaping industries, and the UK’s productivity lagging, the bank is calling on the government to act. The National Plan for Skills is seen as an opportunity to roll out essential training for the workforce, and Santander’s Open Academy stands ready to help.
Dan Sherwood, Santander UK marketing director, summarised the initiative: “Our platform allows people across the UK access to on-demand training, led by experts in their field. The best part? It’s open to everyone, not just Santander employees or customers.”
