The government has announced new legislation which will mean 25 million employees will benefit from a right to request time at work to undertake training.

Each employee will be given the right to request the relevant training they need to improve their skills and to have this properly considered by their employer.

Ministers believe the measure, which was announced in the Queen’s speech, will ensure businesses and individuals get the skills to emerge stronger after the downturn.

Skills secretary John Denham said companies that invest in skills and training are far more likely to succeed and weather the downturn.

“I believe the legislation we have announced today will prove to be a powerful incentive for employers and employees to properly consider their training needs and to build a stronger future for their organisations and themselves,” he added.

Employers need to train their staff about when it is appropriate to use the telephone or email to improve office communications, according to Web-User magazine.