A new careers service charter is proposed which will require the careers companies to seek feedback about their performance from users. The companies will also be expected to step up the number of meetings with employers and training providers by 20 per cent.

A pilot scheme will be introduced where the careers advice role of guidance teachers would be provided by people from outside employment. “Guidance teachers with a range of other duties cannot always be expected to have specialist knowledge of the labour market and opportunities developing in new sectors of the economy,” the White Paper states.

Another Scottish Office challenge fund will be set up to encourage innovation among education-business partnerships.