New right ‘Time to Train’ will benefit all

The new government initiative 'Time to Train' will empower employees and help to develop the skills of the UK’s workforce, which is vital to productivity and the nation’s future prosperity. Findcourses.co.uk shares this ambition and aims to help make training, courses, and coaching programmes easily accessible to the millions that will be searching for training in 2010.

Investment in skills is the key to ensuring that the UK develops a stronger economy and at the same time encourages individuals to make the most of their abilities. The right to request time to train was included in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which received Royal Assent in November 2009. Employees, employers and the economy will all benefit from the new right to request time off work for training.

Skills Minister Kevin Brennan, said:

“Now, more than ever, we need learning and training opportunities in place that empower people to gain the skills and training they need to get on.

“Many businesses and organisations are really good at training their staff and already recognise the benefits of having a highly skilled and motivated workforce. While two-thirds of businesses do train their staff, we need to encourage employers and employees who do not to speak about training opportunities.”

In response to this law, which will effectively take place from 6th April, 2010 for organisations with more than 250 employees, and 2011 for all other businesses, Findcourses.co.uk has developed an informative Time to Train guide, in cooperation with BusinessLink.gov.uk. Initially, around 11 million employees in Great Britain will have a new right to ask for time away from their normal duties to undertake training that they believe will improve their performance and the business.

Learning at work will be transformed as employees feel empowered and motivated to develop themselves. This legal right will encourage millions of employees to request time off for training, putting pressure on employers who don't train to think again and helping all employees get a fair chance to improve their skills. Employers can, of course, say no but will need to show good reason.

Fredrik Andersson, CEO and Founder of FindCourses Global, says:

“Findcourses.co.uk welcomes this new law, and hope this new right will open up many more opportunities for employees to access vital leadership and management training, and as a result improve business efficiency across the UK. It is well known that companies that do not invest in training are two and a half times more likely to fail than those that do."

There is already an increased positive attitude towards skills development in the UK. As we entered the new year, Findcourses.co.uk asked users if they would invest in Professional development training in 2010, 44% of whom stated that they will, and a further 40% claimed that they would like to get some training this year.

Findcourses.co.uk aims to help companies of all sizes find the right training for their business needs, and has implemented a number of services to meet these needs. Under the 'time to train' right, employees will be able to request training leading to a qualification, develop skills relevant to their job, workplace or business and even includes courses such as English for Speakers of Other Languages.