Expert claims flexible working will benefit most companies

Employers need greater support to help them effectively train staff during the recession, it has been claimed. According to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Nord Anglia, over half of employers want to target their training more effectively, so they get a maximum return on their outgoings."

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 from their training, to ensure they are better placed for an upturn when it comes," comments the CBI's director general Richard Lambert.

The research also highlighted that firms want more help from the government to improve their workers' skills, with 42 per cent of those questioned saying the flagship Train to Gain scheme has had "no impact" on their business and three-quarters saying its training brokerage service is 'poor' or 'mixed'.Last week, the government launched a new hotline for businesses to improve the skills and qualifications of their staff members.Provided by Train to Gain and Business Link, the service will help firms identify where they are missing key abilities.Skills minister Lord Young said it was a sign of commitment from the government to help firms survive the recession.

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