News: Customer Service/Care
EU funding cuts could fuel in-house training
30 October 2007
Less funding from the European Union could lead to more companies taking up in-house training, such as customer service training, telephone and writing skills training and performance management training.
The EU has cut the level of funding it provides in England to help disadvantaged people into work or training by half, Personnel Today reports.
Over the next seven year, the European Social Fund (ESF) will give England £4 billion to improve jobs and skills, which is 50 per cent less than the country received between 2000 and 2006.
This is primarily because of the expansion of the European community.
"Since 2004 the European Union has expanded to include 12 new less prosperous countries: the EU's leaders have decided that the priority is in supporting their economic development," said ESF minister James Plaskitt.
Commentators have warned of an impending skills shortage in the UK.
However, companies can take steps to help by providing training for their employees and helping with their professional development. Of course, this also benefits the firms themselves.
