Government outlines measures for a better trained workforce

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Asset Skills calls on employers for their views

May 2008

Asset Skills supports plans to improve training and skills in the cleaning industry with a new legal right for employees to ask for time out to train.

The proposal by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) was part of the Government's Draft Legislative Programme and includes legislation to strengthen and expand apprenticeships.

"Any measure that promotes training for adults is in our view a good thing," said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.

"However, we must ensure employers are behind this too and that is what we are always working towards – convincing them of the long term business benefits."

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham said: 'If the job prospects of our workforce are to improve and the country is to succeed internationally, we have to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to rise as far as their abilities can take them.

"Learning starts before school and it should not stop when you leave. While it is right that we consult on this proposal, I believe that skills development has to become an integral part of working life for everyone. A right to request training will help ensure this becomes a reality.'

An Education and Skills Bill will apply to 22 million employees in England only. The Government will consult on how workers can be legally empowered to request time to undertake training that will benefit them and their employer.

The practical arrangements which employers would follow would be modelled on the existing right to request flexible working.

By introducing a new right to ask for time for training, employees will be able to talk to employers about their training needs, and employers will become more aware of the public funds available to support training.

Employers will be legally obliged to seriously consider requests for training they receive but could refuse a request where there was a good business reason to do so.

The right will be backed by ongoing Government investment in skills and training. In particular, employers will be encouraged to take advantage of the Train to Gain service, which helps businesses identify and address skills needs.