The fall from 29 to 23 per cent in participation, reported in a survey by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, is a big one, and against the trends of the past six years. Nevertheless, the 23 per cent is still bigger than the 22 per cent in both 1999 and 2000.

The Learning and Skills Council also published figures earlier this year showing a decline in adult participation.

Not surprising, but still worrying, is that those who most need to get involved in learning are still shunning opportunities, or do not have them. Professionals and managers are keen to learn - the poor, the least skilled, the retired, the old, and the unemployed are not.

The role of the workplace is pivotal in changing attitudes. More women are in the workforce and taking part in learning. There is also some evidence that men value the status of learning more if it takes place at work, than if it is undertaken elsewhere.

NIACE director Alan Tuckett points out that in the West Midlands, participation had been falling, but every institution had been reporting a rise in numbers. But big companies, such as Rover and Lucas, with a real commitment to training and learning, had been laying off workers, so large chunks of workplace training disappeared.

Getting people started is crucial, as current participation affects future intentions. Learning is addictive - 78 per cent of learners want more, but 85 per cent of those not involved are likely to remain so.

Here again the survey is worrying. The proportion of people saying they are likely to take up learning in the next three years has fallen from 49 to 41 per cent. Although, again, the new low is still higher than the 38 per cent reported in 1999. The decline in future intentions to learn since 2001 is greatest among current and recent learners. All groups, except those not working, say they are less likely to learn in future.

So, what can be done to encourage the others? The campaign for paid educational leave will be given new impetus during Adult Learners Week (May 11-17). The imminent launch of a replacement for individual learning accounts should revive aspirations again. The Chancellor’s pilot schemes to release 16,000 low-skilled workers for training will also help.

Mandatory workplace training should be the aim, says Mr Tuckett: “Part of the price of doing business should be offering mandatory learning and training at work. That wouldn’t frighten the horses.”

NIACE interviewed a weighted sample of 4,896 adults, aged 17 and over, about their present learning and future intentions.