EMPLOYERS have been asked to give as much training to their staff as possible in a bid to beat the economic crisis.

Regional Minister Ian Austin was in Malvern yesterday and as he met employers he urged organisations of all sizes to sign up to the Skills Pledge - a voluntary public commitment by an organisation to support all its employees to develop their basic skills.

To assist them, the Skills Agenda for Herefordshire and Worcestershire allows employers to access expert advice and financial support for training under the national Train to Gain initiative.

Speaking at the Abbey Hotel Mr Austin said the Skills Agenda was a good way to keep up with demand for a highly skilled workforce at a time when the economy is ever changing.

He said: “I want our region to lead the way in developing the new technologies and creating the new highly-skilled and well-paid jobs on which our prosperity will depend in the future but the only way we will be able to attract and develop the high-tech innovative businesses we’ll need is if we equip the workforce with the skills they’re looking for.

“Employers here know that and the commitment we’ve seen is amazing.”

Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, supported the initiative.

“That investment will deliver growth in our businesses and underlying strength in the economy,” he said.