Communication is "crucial" when businesses use the internet to train employees, say industry experts.

Employers should make workers aware that internet learning resources are available, says e-skills UK - a not-for-profit organisation, licensed by the government as the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms.

Laura Overton, director of e-learning at e-skills UK, said: "For workers to learn to take advantage of the internet they need to know it is there. Having a strong communications process is critical for this type of training, people need to be made aware."

She added that problems often arise from businesses not realising the benefits that e-learning can bring.

"A lot of businesses do not understand the benefits that they can get from this type of learning because they may have come from a traditional [environment] – particularly small businesses. They are busy running their business and are focussed on their business output."

Research released by the Chartered Management Institute revealed that many workers are failing to utilise the internet as a training tool.

Furthermore, 72 per cent admitted to spending 30 minutes or less online per day.

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