A total of 300,000 people a year could benefit from a government proposal to increase the number of workers able to access skills training, it has been announced.
John Denham, secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, explained that the plan, which could affect up to 22 million workers in England, should help ensure training is taken seriously by all employers.
Mr Denham said: "Investment in skills is key to ensuring we come through with a stronger economy and making sure individuals can make the most of their abilities."
However, a third of employers do not currently offer any training to their staff, while other companies do not offer training to everyone, he added.
Firms that fail to embrace staff education "run real risks with their businesses", he warned.
Last month, Professor Cary Cooper of Lancaster University Management School, urged managers to make sure that they have the right training to ensure they are capable of leading their staff.
