The CIPD has welcomed the latest drive by the government to improve training provisions for employees lacking basic skills.

The government’s skills secretary John Denham has announced plans to increase the total number of apprenticeship schemes from 250,000 to 400,000 by 2011.

But the CIPD also warned that progress would only be made once confidence is restored in government skills agencies.

“Our labour market outlook survey finds that two-thirds of UK employers believe the government is right to prioritise basic skills training,” said Dr John McGurk, the CIPD’s learning, training and development adviser.

“However, while a small majority say they are likely to make the skills pledge there is a significant challenge ahead in convincing all employers that making the skills pledge will have real benefits in the workplace.”