'Psycho-babble' course criticised

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A local authority is proposing to spend £400,000 on staff training in a move an opposition councillor has labelled a massive exercise in "psycho-babble".

Suffolk County Council plans to send staff on a "leadership improvement courses", according to Andrew Cann, deputy of its Liberal Democrat group.

"Communication psychology and personal resilience are being taught," he said.

The council's head of human resources said the course was important so staff were able to meet future work demands.

"It really just beggars belief - especially at a time when we're all feeling the pinch," Mr Cann said.

"Taxpayers want money spent on services or they want their money returned to them. They don't want it spent like this."

"I have no problem with staff having appropriate training to do their jobs. That's good.

"But I've seen no evidence that this massive psycho-babble training programme is required."

Staff investment

Sally Marlow, head of human resources at Suffolk County Council, said: "Like most major employers, we are deeply committed to the development of our staff.

"We run continuous training programmes for them. The programme is aimed at all levels.

"It is vitally important that we invest in our people so they are well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

"The cost of the training is just under £400,000, an average of £1,000 per person - this is not new money.

"This is an investment in staff who will stay within Suffolk, whichever council they work for."