Right to request training is essential to skills development

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has told the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), as part of the Skills for Sustainable Growth consultation, that

"Ten million workers received no training last year so the Government must use every possible lever to encourage more employers to offer staff training.

"The consultation rightly focuses on the needs of learners in delivering training. The Government can achieve this by honouring the right to request time off for training, which gives workers the flexibility they need to improve their skills.

"We welcome the recognition that unions can play a key role - particularly through our network of 25,000 learning reps - in encouraging employers and workers to take up training.

"But while no one disputes the economic imperative for a better skilled workforce, modern research facilities, apprenticeship schemes and employer incentives to train their staff require investment as well as good will.

"It's therefore vital the Government's commitment to skills is not undermined by self-defeating budget cuts."

Members of the Work Place Learning Centre team are available to provide journalists and media organisations with expert comment on all aspects of learning at work.

View our editorial policy click here.