Businesses must approach staff training with a "different mindset" or damage the UK economy, MPs claim.

The Commons public accounts committee said companies must realise the value of training and employees should demand professional development.

Charman Edward Leigh said the economy cannot afford to neglect the training needs of workers.

The Learning and Skills Council says a lack of basic skills training costs the UK £10bn a year.

The government is hiring 450 "skills brokers" in England to liase between companies and colleges.

It will spend between £30m and £40m on the scheme from September.

According to the government, a third of firms are not organising employee training each year.

Leigh said businesses lacked sufficient information on training opportunities.

"Employers need straightforward, clear advice on where good quality, flexible training is available," he said.