Skills development 'essential during downturn'

It is "vital" for workers to develop their skills through learning and training during the recession, an expert has advised.

Dr John McGurk, an advisor on learning and talent development issues to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, explained that employees should be able to adapt to a changing environment.

Developing "broad competencies" could widen their skills base, he added, and attributes like emotional intelligence and project management abilities would be good areas to begin.

"It is absolutely vital that people develop skills and capability in difficult times because to be ready for change, you need to be continually learning and developing," Dr McGurk said.

"That means more than just going on courses which may not be available because of cost implications. It may well be taking on new tasks so that you stretch yourself and build your skill levels that way."

A recent poll by the Confederation of British Industry found that two in three employers, including those with staff doing marketing jobs, want more targeted training schemes in their organisations.

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