40% of firms say Train to Gain had ‘no impact’ on their business

Business in the UK are unimpressed with the government's free training programme Train to Gain, according to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The CBI found that two-fifths (42%) of employers using the programme say it has delivered ‘no impact' for their business, and three-quarters rated its training brokerage service as ‘poor' or at best ‘mixed'.

"The government has a big role to play in helping employers make the most of their training and providing access to funding. Its flagship Train to Gain programme isn't meeting the needs of enough businesses that use it," said Richard Lambert of the CBI.

In January, the government rolled-out significant improvements for small and medium-sized firms in its Train to Gain scheme, including more funding for re-training staff at Level 2, equivalent to five or more GCSEs. There was also additional support to train staff to Level 3, which is equivalent to A-levels.