Human Resource Management International Digest

Purpose – Describes how in-house training has reduced employee turnover and improved employee effectiveness in the sales and purchase and remortgaging sections of a UK law firm.

Design/methodology/design – Details what gave rise to the training need at Barnetts, of Southport, how the training need was met and the results that have been achieved.

Findings – Reports that the award-winning training has helped to the company to “grow its own” employees and concentrate on recruiting new assistants and training and developing existing trainees and assistants. It has also helped to cement a link between skill levels and remuneration.

Practical implications – Reveals that the company has secured two major contracts directly from high-street lenders, which already account for 14 percent of its remortgage turnover. Claims that this could not have been achieved without having the staff and training in place.

Originality/value – Shows that an unforeseen benefit is that assistants now move between sections and teams when necessary with minimum disruption, as they have all received exactly the same training and, where appropriate, have passed tests to assess their competence.