Women are less likely than men to receive workplace training, according to new research published by NIACE and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).
The survey found 31% of women received no employer training in the past year, compared to 26% of men. Men were also more likely to receive a pay rise following training, according to the results of the survey.
The research also found variation in the types of training offered to workers, with men more likely to receive training to help them become better managers. Women were more likely to receive equality and diversity training or health and safety training.
Dr Fiona Aldridge, assistant director for development and research at NIACE, said: ‘These shocking results show that we need a real policy conversation about this issue to ensure that women earn a fair wage for their work, and have equal opportunities to access the labour market.
‘It is clear, that unless we effectively address inequalities in access to learning, training and development opportunities for work, then we will only succeed in further hardwiring inequalities into the labour market, rather than providing opportunities for progression and a pathway out of low pay for all.’
NIACE have developed six policies to address inequalities at work including a career Advancement Service to help women access training opportunities, and proposals to allow young adult careers – the majority of whom are female – to be exempt from the 21 hour rule in the benefits system.
