Research by the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) shows that almost two thirds of employees in Greater London would choose a job paying five per cent less if it involved formal training opportunities.

And more than 80 per cent of those surveyed in the region describe evidence of job training as either "very important" or "important" when looking for a new position.

Unsurprisingly, salary is still the most important factor for employees when considering a job offer, but training outscored private health care, a company car, and other traditional benefits.

But of employers surveyed, just 28 per cent claim to have provided staff with any off-the-job training in the past year, though many of them agree that the skills required of the average employee are on the increase.

The research was commissioned by the DfEE to mark the launch last month of this year's National Training Awards (NTA), which are open to all UK employees or organisations who have undergone a course of training.

The awards recognise how off-the-job learning has enhanced both company and personal development. About 100 awards are handed out each year, including 20 special awards, which recognise exceptional improvements.

For the first time this year there will also be a threshold award, for cases where the full outcome of the training programme is still to emerge.

Potential contenders have until Friday, June 9, to submit entry forms, which can be obtained by calling the NTA hotline on 0800 917 7337.