Agreement heralds bright future for Sundora workers

Employees at Pocklington-based Sundora Foods will soon be able to benefit from a wealth of exciting learning opportunities without having to leave the factory grounds.

The dried fruit company has signed an agreement with trade union Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) to establish a Lifelong Learning Centres offering a range of personal development and vocational courses.

Based in a portable building at Sundora’s Burnby Lane head office, the centre – the first of its kind in Pocklington - is scheduled to open in September. Courses will range from basic skills such as letter writing and understanding forms, through to IT and foreign languages, all designed to help Sundora’s 180 employees fulfil their potential and boost their career prospects. Staff will decide themselves what courses are of interest and what standard they wish to study at.

“Both Sundora Foods and Usdaw are committed to working in partnership to promote and support Lifelong Learning and ensure equality of access to learning opportunities,” commented Brian Young, chief executive of Sundora Foods. “Both parties will encourage staff to access learning opportunities, which will enable each individual to fulfil his or her potential.”

Sundora employees Adrian Gascoyne and Dominic Edmonds have been appointed union learning representatives to help run the centre alongside Usdaw officials. In addition, Sundora and Usdaw will establish a joint steering group to take responsibility for developing, implementing and monitoring learning initiatives. The steering group will administer a ‘learning fund’ to help make courses affordable, as well as working to remove potential barriers to learning such as shift work patterns, childcare and length of courses.

Sundora will provide paid release for staff to engage in learning if opportunities are linked to the needs of the business.

Tony Aylward, Usdaw’s Area Organiser for the north-east division, commented: “Full credit to Sundora for supporting Usdaw and signing the Lifelong Learning agreement. The company clearly values its workforce and should see tangible benefits from having staff who are not only motivated to succeed, but are better equipped to do so. The Lifelong Learning Centre is a worthwhile investment in the future.”

Funding for the centre will come from Sundora Foods, Usdaw, the TUC and government-backed Lifelong Learning initiatives such as Learndirect.

Notes to Editors:

• Usdaw launched its Lifelong Learning campaign six years ago. Learning projects are now up and running in more than 150 workplaces, 25 of which have dedicated Lifelong Learning Centres on site.

• Sundora Foods is the number one brand in dried fruit. The company produces a range of dried fruit snacks and home baking products under the Sundora name as well as own label products for supermarkets.

• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning/news/1090932903_20706.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Jul-2004 21:34:02 EST
Proudly designed and programmed by Social Change Online
Site Credits