Employers turn to 'effective training' during downturn

Date: 8th April 2009

Small employers are increasingly looking to get the maximum out of their training practises during the recession.

That is according to new research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which found that 51 per cent of organisations, from sole traders to limited companies, were looking to implement more effective employee training schemes.

Additionally, the survey also discovered that two-fifths of employers using the Train to Gain programme, the government's training brokerage service, stated that it had provided little help.

Richard Lambert, director general of the CBI, said: "During turbulent times, it would be understandable if firms have to reduce their training budgets but this survey shows that they are most concerned with getting more value for their training."

By doing this, Mr Lambert added, they would be "better placed" for when the economic upturn arrives.

Earlier this week, the Forum of Private Business claimed that small firms needed government help with retaining their current staff, as well as recruiting new employees.