by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Employers may be cutting down on lots of things in the recession - but they are still investing in staff training.

A survey of 1,000 business leaders by the Institute of Directors found that 80 per cent said their organisation had maintained or increased training spend in the past six months.

They say that investing in training is a way of boosting staff morale and productivity, as well as helping to keep staff, improve customer satisfaction and improve staff recruitment.

Most employers have preferred to cut expenditure on such things on hospitality, events and staff bonuses rather than hit the training budget.

Nearly nine out of 10 directors said their business planned at least to maintain investment in training over the next six months.

IoD director general Miles Templeman, who is also chairman of Shepherd Neame, the 300-year old Kent brewer and pub owner, said: "Even under considerable pressure, training budgets have not been hacked back.

"Compared to the last recession there is a feeling that, in the words of one director, there is 'a definite difference this time'.

"IoD members are emphasising that maintaining training now will help position their organisations well for the upturn. Many businesses are looking for opportunities in the downturn – the mood is firmly one of innovation and determination, not defeatism."