Cable's attack on training is anti-growth
18 March 2011
Unite has called business secretary Vince Cable's decision not
to extend the right to request time off work for training to firms
employing fewer than 250 employees an anti-growth measure.
Commenting on Vince Cable's decision Tony Burke, Unite assistant
general secretary, said: "This government seems to think growth
equates to attacking workers' rights. The better trained a worker
the more Britain benefits but Vince Cable would rather give bad
employers who don’t want to train their workforce properly a nudge
and a wink.
"This is yet another short sighted decision from this Tory-led
government. Britain needs a skilled workforce that is constantly
learning if we are to generate growth, innovate and compete in the
global economy.
"The business secretary should be thinking long term - looking
at the big picture. Instead, he is keeping the business lobby happy
with short-term cost cutting measures which Britain will eventually
have to pay for as we watch our competitors leave us for dust.
"There is absolutely no sensible reason why millions of workers
should be denied the right to request training just because of the
size of their employer."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
