Learners are bringing home the bacon

Learning reps from the T&G general union, supported by senior shop stewards at Pork Farms Bowyers in Nottingham, have helped the company's workers to gain qualifications.

The reps put in a successful bid for £4,500 to TUC Learning Services and the Nottingham Learning Skills Council, which were running a joint fund to improve basic skills in the workplace.

The employer matched this funding, and the resulting £9,000 was used to release employees from the shop floor to study during working time. As a result, 40 workers were awarded National Test Certificates in Numeracy and Literacy during Adult Learners' Week in May.