Recruitment and training issues shadowed the Government's revelations of plans for its Sure Start unit, which is overseeing work in early years, childcare and Sure Start in England. At a conference in Westminster last week, education and skills secretary Charles Clarke spoke to delegates about the interdepartmental unit, which has brought together the Department for Education and Skills and the Department for Work and Pensions. Mr Clarke said, 'Sure Start will help local authorities provide joined-up services to ensure that every child receives the best start in life, with targeted support directed at areas where it is most needed.'