Legislation protecting the right to train could be scrapped after a consultationA government consultation has got underway on the issue of setting time aside to allow employees to embark on supplementary training courses, it has been revealed.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has announced it is currently holding a short consultation process on whether the legislation – which only came into force in April this year – should be altered or repealed.

"We believe it is important that all regulations are properly scrutinised," said skills minister John Hayes. "I have asked my officials to ensure that this consultation is actively promoted to ensure that we get a broad range of views."

He added that he views in-depth workplace training as "vital" to Britain's future economic success, but explained that it is "important" to obtain a wide range of opinions from business experts.

Last month, home secretary Theresa May suggested in a parliamentary debate that Labour plans to extend paternity leave could be abandoned by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

Posted by Cameron Thompson