Training rules OK

The government is to relax its rules on training funding in a bid to give smaller businesses help with skills development in the face of a slowing economy.

The move forms part of a package, claimed to be worth £350m, unveiled by the

(DIUS) in response to what it described as 'the tougher economic climate'.

Under the relaxed regime, companies will be allowed to be funded for small units or individual modules in areas identified as priority areas for SMEs. These include business improvement techniques, new product design and commercially-focused areas such as risk management and financial management.

The rules will be eased to allow workers to access training up to level Two, even if they already have a previous qualification up to that grade, and more funding will be provided for level Three training. This removes the requirement on training providers to ensure that a proportion of programmes are delivered to employees entering the training system for the first time.