Its all beginning to add up now as Wigan learning project makes the grade

A distribution centre in Wigan is enjoying better productivity and reduced turnover of staff after its workers began to learn new skills such as yoga, floral art, sign language and Spanish.

Almost one-third (391) of the 1,200 workers at the ShopDirect centre in Walthew House Lane have enrolled on courses, with the support of the company, their union Usdaw and a local college.

The success of the scheme, known within the plant as The Learning Shop, has impressed the company, which has used it as a blueprint for similar projects across the country.

Now the project has gained national recognition after being named the regional winner of the National Training Awards, the premier training awards in the UK. The award was presented by former England cricket captain David Gower at a ceremony at Manchester Town Hall.

Ann Murphy, Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator at Usdaw, said: "It is fantastic to win this award and testament to the efforts of all involved in making The Learning Shop the success that it is. Usdaw is committed to ensuring its members get the best opportunities to enhance their skills. This project has proved something of a flagship."

The Learning Shop is open to all workers at the home shopping distribution centre. Many have enrolled on courses to improve their basic English and maths, while others have chosen courses including yoga and sign language. Five workers have since progressed as far as degree standard.

The project is a partnership between ShopDirect (formerly Reality), Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) and Wigan and Leigh College.

Usdaw General Secretary Sir Bill Connor said: "This is a prime example to show that both employees and employers get huge benefits through investment in learning opportunities. Usdaw started a dedicated campaign to improve Lifelong Learning five years ago. Since then, over 5,000 Usdaw members have returned to some form of learning. The union is working in partnership with many employers and colleges to promote access to learning all over the country."

Usdaw members can get more details about Campaigning for Lifelong Learning through the union's web site www.usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning or by phoning Usdaw's helpline on 0845 6060640.

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