A HAMPSHIRE MP has urged businesses to take advantage of new funds for training.

Caroline Dinenage, representing Gosport, welcomed the news that £50m of fully funded training is available to all businesses, but stressed that is was only there for a year.

She said she had been involved in persuading the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee to launch a landmark inquiry into the country’s basic skills gap.

She also recently co-founded the All Party Parliamentary Group for Maths and Numeracy.

Ms Dinenage said many people had been left behind without the basics in literacy or numeracy.

“It’s great news that this fund will help those who may lack confidence in these key areas, giving them the tools to unlock their potential.”