The attack came after a survey by e-learning firm Ebc of 80 HR and training managers found that 80 per cent of respondents would expect employees to use e-learning outside working hours.

“E-learning is a good thing, especially for those who want to enhance their personal development,” says a TUC spokesperson.

“In respect to training for the job, however, employers have an obligation to train staff in work time. E-learning mustn’t be used to transfer the responsibility for training from employer to employee.”