Coaching is becoming increasingly popular among UK firms as a means of promoting workplace learning, with two in five companies offering all staff such opportunities, new research suggests.

The figures, which were produced by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), also reveal that 71 per cent of UK employers currently use coaching as a means of developing the skills of their workers, compared to 63 per cent in 2007.

Commenting on the findings, Dr John McGurk, CIPD learning, training and development adviser, stated: "Coaching is not just a popular technique but an immensely powerful one for supporting personal development.

"There is no doubt that coaching is having a significant impact both on individual and organisational performance."

Recently, the Trades Union Congress stated that the government needs to ensure that the training needs of employees are met, with two-fifths of staff not receiving any regular training at work.