Over half of organisations (55%) plan to increase investment in talent in 2010, according to research from employee assessment firm Talent Q.

The research shows that 71% of financial services firms plan to increase spend. Investment is also relatively high in the public sector (61%) and utilities organisations (58%), while 46% of retail/consumer firms and 42% of firms in the professional services sector also plan to increase spending.

Dr Alan Bourne, director of Talent Q, says: “The intention to increase expenditure on employee development is a welcome message, indicating a renewed focus on existing talent within organisations. The intention to re-examine what is required in new hires is also a positive response, indicating that organisations are taking on board some of the lessons of the past few years.”