Posted: Tue 08 Sep 2009
The percentage of recruiters not offering their employees training during the months ahead has almost doubled since the last financial year. That’s according to a recent survey by Lander Associates, the international training and development specialists to the professional recruitment sector.
Although some recruiters were offering less training, others surveyed did see it as essential. “Even when the going’s tough, still try to invest in training - don’t neglect it” remarked Sandie Donnelly from Chamberlain Beaumont. “Don’t think that because things are tough, you shouldn’t invest. You have to keep people trained so they are prepared.
Only 5% of consultancies questioned did not offer training and development to their employees in the 2008 to 2009 financial year, however this number has now increased to just under 10%. In addition, 40% of respondents commented that their training budgets have / been cut.
“This is a worrying trend” comments Fiona Lander, Managing Director of Lander Associates, “however it’s not too surprising that training budgets have been a victim of the problematic economic conditions. Training and development is often an area in which investment is not seen as business critical. But to thrive in a downturn – or even just to survive – developing and upskilling your people is crucial. Recruiters should see this market as an opportunity - investing in staff development now will not only improve quality of service and sales, but boost morale and increase results giving credibility over competitors.”
Julia Hordle, Director of Intelligent Resources said "Every person has initiative and gumption which is counter balanced by reticence and inertia. The more difficult the environment, the more diffident people can become. Training gives people confidence in their own abilities and empowers and energises them."