Most businesses have offered personal development opportunities to staff members over the last 12 months, according to research.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) found that 59% of workers across all industries in the UK took part in formal training in the last year.

However, the number of employees who took part in personal development in the last six months fell slightly to 49%.

Opinium, which polled 2,005 workers for the AAT, discovered that 14% received no training whatsoever in the last 12 months - or over the past three years.

The most trained workers over the last year were found in the healthcare sector, with 73% furthering their knowledge.

Two-thirds (66%) of those working in finance and accountancy reported healthy training levels, while 80% of IT workers felt their employers could have done more.

Rob Alder, head of business development at the AAT, said:

"It's important that employers look to develop staff, whether via formal qualifications, online courses, events to improve continuing personal development or others.

"Regular training keeps workers up-to-date and makes them feel happy they are progressing, more likely to stay loyal, increases their confidence and competencies, and makes them more productive.

"We encourage businesses to consider the investments they are making in their workforce, for the benefit of employer and employees alike."

Talk to us about providing employee benefits.