Most Workers 'want paid time off to train'
Morning Star - 4 September 2008
Researchers revealed last night that most workers want the legal
right to paid time off to train.
A survey of almost 3,000 workers by the TUC showed that
employees under the age of 24 and those on lower incomes are the
strongest supporters of enhanced rights.
Workers with no qualifications are also very supportive, with
most saying that they would be likely to take advantage of asking
for paid leave for training.
The TUC noted that, despite the enthusiasm to learn new skills,
low-skilled workers are the least likely to receive training. Fewer
than 1 in 10 employees with no formal qualifications took part in
job-related training in the last 3 months, the reporter said.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "The enthusiasm shown
by people on low incomes, those with few or no qualifications and
part-time workers shows that, whilst those who most need training
have the biggest appetite to learn, they receive the smallest share
of the pie.
The Government must ensure that any new right to request
training is strong enough to make a genuine difference. Otherwise
the one third of employers who refuse to train their
staff will continue to shirk their responsibilities and overlook
those that need training most."
The government is currently consulting on the right to take time
off work for training.
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