Fewer firms are increasing their investment in training and development despite a skills shortage, according to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The survey found that the proportion of firms intending to increase investment in training and development over the next year has fallen.

It also showed a widespread lack of awareness of key government skills reform programmes, including around the Lifelong Loan Entitlement and the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Of the firms that do not offer apprenticeships, the key reasons identified for not doing so were a lack of compatibility between current apprenticeship standards and skill needs, the complexity of administration, and the greater relevance of other forms of training.