Pictured above: Mike Wakeling

Warwickshire's small firm owners have been urged not to panic as the current system of training rights is extended to all.

Mike Wakeling, partner with Stratford-upon-Avon law firm Lodders Solicitors, said businesses were unlikely to find the new rules over-prohibitive or unduly burdensome.

Indeed, with the West Midlands one of the lowest skilled areas of the country, there could be advantages.

Currently workers who have been employed for at least 26 weeks by organisations with more than 250 employees have the right to request unpaid time off work for study or training "to improve their effectiveness at work and the performance of their employer's business".

From April 6 this applies to all employers, regardless of the size of the organisation.

Mr Wakeling said: "There have been concerns that the legislation could have ramifications for the productivity of businesses by significantly reducing the amount of time people have to carry out their jobs. Then there is the cost factor involved.

"However, worried small firms should note that, while there is no limit on the amount of time employees can request, the employer does not have to pay for the training or pay the person for the time spent training, although it can choose to do so.

"Consequently there is unlikely to be a flood of applications.

"In any case, the employer can refuse outright an employee's request if the training would not improve the performance of the business, if the burden of additional costs were too great, or if the employer was unable to reorganise work among existing staff."

Mr Wakeling went on: "The plus factor in all this is the spotlight will be thrown onto training, with both employers and employees hopefully looking to do more.

"All the statistics highlight how the West Midlands has far too many unskilled people in the workforce and this could be an opportunity to do something about it."

For more information about Lodders, please visit their website here: www.lodders.co.uk