David Blunkett has launched a training scheme aimed at countering employers’
fears that newly-skilled staff will be poached.
The Secretary of State for Education and Employment last week announced that
the department will contribute to loans to employers to train staff. The
employer, rather than the individual, will be responsible for repayment – but
this transfers to the new employer if the staff member leaves.
"Each employer would gain the full benefit of investment, paying for it
over an extended period," Blunkett said.
"Employers are often reluctant to invest in training because they fear
that trained employees would be poached by competitors."
The scheme is based on a recommendation from the Skills Task Force, headed
by Chris Humphries. It would involve a partnership between the national
training organisation setting up the scheme, administered by a bank. Government
contributions come via its subsidies to NTOs.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
Blunkett acknowledged there are severe skills shortages in certain sectors.
He cited the gas industry, which registered only 128 new fitters last year, in
an occupation where the workforce totals 100,000.
