Right to request training proved popular
A recent YouGov survey for the TUC and its skills development organisation unionlearn, shows that 70% of working people would like to have a legal right to request paid time away from work for training. Over half the respondents (53%) additionally said that they would use such a right.
Currently, one employer in three provides no training at all for its employees, representing some 8 million workers. This is despite regular complaints by business leaders about the lack of skills among the population. In order to address this issue, early this summer the government announced that it would introduce a new right to ask for training at work, similar to the new right to request flexible working.
Encouragingly for the future of UK skills and international competitiveness, it was younger people (aged 18 to 25) who were most keen on the idea, with 80% agreeing with the proposal.
Any businesses that do not offer training at the moment may need to address the situation - the new entitlement, which could be brought in as early as 2010 if the legislation passes successfully through Parliament, would apply to all employees with 26 weeks' minimum service. At today's figures, this means some 22 million employees.
Contact
Judith Ellery Head of Employment
Bethan Southcombe Solicitor
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