Today I heard a comment that shocked me! I was speaking with a corporate business leader about the effect that the current economic climate is having on her company and the morale of her people.
Now before I go on with my story you have to know, as many of you do, in Quebec it is the law that if a company has a payroll of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) or more, then the company has to reinvest 1% of that sum into transferable skills training. If the company does not provide the training then they have to write a cheque to the government for the amount that they should have spent . Yes, they have to hand the money over, with nothing in return for it. Just kiss that cash goodbye never to be seen again.
Ok, back to my story. I asked the executive how they were investing their 1% training money to help support their people and she told me that they are not. They have decided to hand the cash over to the government instead.
I had to pick myself up off the floor. If you or someone you know is doing this, please stop! There are many great trainers out there who can make a significant contribution to your organization and that 1% can go a long way in making things better. To sweeten the deal even more, there are government subsidies out there for small and medium size businesses that will cover up to 50% of the trainers fees! With the 1% investment, the 50% subsidy and the expertise that a trainer will bring, it is a wonderful way to invest in your company.
Also, this is the time to be thinking about how you and your company can keep the economy going. Hiring trainers is one step in the right direction.
If you have any questions about the 1% law or the 50% subsidies, please post a comment here! I will be more than happy to talk to you.
April 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
Thanks for bringing attention to this matter. Are there any government websites that you can point out that confirm this information? That way we can be armed with the facts when we approach a company.