Managers in the UK have been encouraged to take control of their business by training.

Set to coincide with National Learning at Work Day, which took place yesterday (May 22nd), the advice was issued by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

According to the council, a survey conducted last year revealed that 163,000 managers in England alone reported having skills gaps, 57 per cent of which cause an increase in work for other staff.

The LSC went on to extol the benefits of getting involved in the government’s Train to Gain scheme, saying that 43 per cent of those who have done so reported a pay rise, while 30 per cent were awarded a promotion.

Meanwhile, leading business psychologist Professor Cary Cooper has identified a trend in the UK of managers lacking the skills to delegate to other workers effectively.

He said: "Employers should take heed and ensure their managers receive relevant leadership and management training. We need to train managers to understand those social or softer skills."

A non-departmental public body, the LSC aims to improve the skills of young people and adults in England.