On-the-job training deserves better recognition

19 June 2008

Small businesses are losing out when it comes to recognition of the training they offer, a leading business group has argued.

Responding to the government’s announcement that employees are to be given the right to request time for training, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the focus on improving skills.

However, the FSB also went on to say that it should be easier for micro-business owners to get formal recognition for the work-based training they already offer.

A survey of just under 20,000 small businesses found that 76 per cent of respondents reported that they already offer structured training, the FSB argued.

Colin Willman, the FSB’s education and skills chairman, said: “We support the government’s efforts to get more people into training, but employers should have the final say based on the needs of the business. The government could certainly do a lot more to make it easier for small employers to get the on-the-job training they already offer accredited.”

Mr Willman added: “At the moment the process is too expensive and too bureaucratic for many small businesses to cope with. The vast majority of businesses do not have an HR department to handle these issues.”