UK business may need more IT contractors in future as they are not adequately training their own staff, it is claimed.

While most firms train staff when new computer systems are introduced, they neglect to continue training programs from then on, according to the National Computing Centre.

In addition, training is often done at the end of the project, so when costs overrun, it is often cut.

As a result, many UK companies are failing to realise their full technological potential, claims Michael Dean, head of marketing at the National Computing Centre.

"You have very expensive IT systems and then after the initial rush of training there is less of it … you're only going to realise that investment when training is very deep and thorough," he added.

According to a new survey conducted by Lifelong Learning UK, 49 per cent of workers would feel more confident using technology in the workplace if it had been incorporated into their training.