Businesses urged to invest in training

The Learning and Skills Council has urged businesses to invest in training for their staff after a new survey has revealed as many as 163,000 managers in England alone are experiencing a skills gap.

The National Employer Skills Survey reviewed over 79,000 businesses, concluding that almost three quarters lack management skills – a gap which almost 60% of employers say creates an increased workload for other staff.

One third of businesses in the survey reported increased operating costs, while a similar number found it difficult to introduce new working practices. Just one in five respondents said managers’ skills gaps did not create problems.

Professor Cary Cooper, a leading business psychologist, said managers are increasingly struggling to delegate effectively.

“I have seen this trend in companies occurring up and down the country. It’s clear that managers and bosses aren’t getting the training they need to do their jobs effectively,” he said.

“This has a direct impact on their work-life balance, their workforce’s progression and the overall performance of the company as a whole.”

Skills Minister David Lammy added that business managers need to get the best from their employees.

“Despite the time pressures they face, no manager can afford to cut corners on training – either for their employees, or themselves,” he said.

“I hope employers will respond by making full use of the opportunity to improve their staff leadership credentials, and to get their staff trained up to deliver real growth in 2008”.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008