LOW-SKILLED workers are missing out on training often only available to staff who are already highly skilled, a study reveals today.

Adults with the lowest qualifications, especially men in manual jobs, are the least likely to learn new skills, research by the Social Mobility Commission suggested.

Almost a third of those in managerial and professional occupations took part in training in the last three months compared with fewer than a fifth of manual workers, the report found.

Commission chairwoman Martina Milburn said too many employers were “wasting the potential” of low and mid-skilled workers by not offering them training.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady told the Star: “Too many workers are stuck in jobs where there is no chance to develop at work. This short-sighted approach from bosses has blighted our economy for years.

“We need managers to listen to their workers and invest in their skills. Companies that train and pay attention to their workforce perform better and keep hold of talented staff.”