Time to train scheme has mixed blessings for small firms, says expert

Date: 13th August 2010

The government's Time to Train scheme could have a somewhat mixed effect on the UK's small businesses, one expert has warned.

Sylvia Constantine, IBA Start up Business Adviser of the Year 2005, said there are obvious benefits from having a highly-trained staff, but employers could risk losing staff.

The expert said there is a "fear" that once an employee is trained to a higher level, they will then seek a "better job" somewhere else.

"I always believe that training is an absolute imperative to all businesses. It's as important for the owner-managers as it is for the employees. Every business will get some benefit from having a highly trained and skilled workforce.

"In smaller businesses the logistics of getting people trained, and the fear of people then leaving is a very real concern. There are pluses and minuses."

The government scheme extends the statutory right to people working in organisation with more than 250 employees to request time for study or training.

From April next year, the scheme will apply to workers of all firms, regardless of size.

Posted by Jacob Williams