The opportunity to develop and train is what workers really want this leap year.

According to a new survey conducted on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), almost a third of UK workers would like to train on their extra working day, but 42 per cent lack confidence in their bosses to fulfil their desire despite half of supervisors saying they would give workers the chance to train.

Time is unsurprisingly a barrier for 61 per cent, with 49 per cent saying they are put off by the expense of it; but according to the LSC, employees that do invest in training can reap the rewards and grow their salary from £2,000 to £3,000 every year.

Statistics from the Labour Force Survey show that, on average across England, if we have either no qualifications or just level one qualifications, we earn £19,100 per year. If we have level two qualifications we earn £21,500. And if we have level three qualifications we earn £24,500.

Train to Gain director Glenn Robinson said: “Given that it’s a leap year, why don’t you propose to your employer? Don’t get left behind: this is the perfect opportunity to speak to your employer and ask for the training you need. Improving your skills will help you take control of your future and will have as much impact on your career as it will on your general wellbeing.”