Workers to get right to request training time off

The Government said it believed the "radical" move would help workers become more productive and boost their careers, as well as helping companies. A consultation will take place first to establish how best to introduce the change.

Ministers said employers would be legally obliged to "seriously consider" requests for training, but could refuse if there was a good business reason. A similar arrangement already exists among employees who have the right to seek flexible working arrangements. The plan will apply to 22 million workers in England.

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: "Learning starts before school and it should not stop when you leave. While it is right that we consult on this proposal, I believe that skills development has to become an integral part of working life for everyone. A right to request training will help ensure this becomes a reality.

"It will allow millions of employees to start a conversation with their employer about how they can become a more productive member of staff and in turn will encourage employers to better tap into some of the major Government supported training programmes available to them."

Flexible working

The new right will be included in an Education and Skills Bill, which will also set out measures aimed at improving apprenticeships.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "We support the right to request time to train. It is critical that we up skill the workforce in the UK, and good employers are already doing this.

"However, it has to be light touch and the employee must take some responsibility for organising their own training as a process of self development."

Gordon Brown also confirmed moves to extend the right to flexible working to the parents of "older children".

The right is currently restricted to parents whose children are under six or disabled, but it is expected that an announcement will be made tomorrow (Thursday 15 May) recommending an increase in the age limit, up to as much as 16 years of age.

Today's announcements came as the Prime Minister unveiled a wide-ranging legislative programme for the coming year in the Commons. For more information, visit the Draft Legislative Programme website here.