§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement regarding the provision of training to small firms. [10591]
§ Mr. PaiceMany small firms will benefit from the £49 million Government support for employers training this year through local training and enterprise councils, and from provision aimed at young people and the work of their local further education colleges. In addition, nearly 13,000 small firms have been helped in the last 18 months through skills for small businesses, skills challenge, and the small firms training loans initiative.
631WFollowing a comprehensive review of the Government's support for businesses, local provision will be available through the local competitiveness budget from April 1997. This will continue to provide wide ranging advice and support to small firms through TECs and business links. Any small firms wanting guidance on skills and training should contact its local TEC or business link.
§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement regarding the adequacy of training available to small firms. [10604]
§ Mr. PaiceSmall firms can access training through local employer-led bodies such as training and enterprise councils and business links. TECs' specific small firms initiatives have helped nearly 13,000 small firms develop their training effort in the last 18 months alone. Recently published statistics show that, nationally, 84 per cent. of smaller firms have provided training for their employees, using a variety of methods to suit their circumstances.
As a direct response to business needs, the Government undertook a comprehensive review last year, aimed at simplifying support to businesses. A key outcome for my Department of this review is the establishment of the local competitiveness budget from April 1997. This will continue to provide wide-ranging advice and support to local firms through TECs and business links.