TUC aims to bring workers to book

Union members are being urged to take part in a TUC online poll investigating workers' reading habits in advance of World Book Day on 2 March.

Participants are asked about their reading habits - what they read, when they read and what stops them from reading more. The TUC is also trying to find out how many workplaces operate bo0k clubs.

Nine hardback books are on offer in a prize draw for everyone who completes the questionnaire by the end of February.

The poll is part of the "Quick Reads" initiative, supported by the TUC, which is aimed at the UK's 12 million people who don't read very often. A series of fast-paced, short paperback books by bestselling authors is being published as part of the scheme.

Launching the poll, TUC deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady said there are many reasons - including bad memories of school, nervousness about going into a bookshop or simply lack of time - why people do not read as much as they would like.

"Quick Reads is a fantastic way of opening up books to people who struggle with reading and who've lost the reading habit," she added. "Union learning reps offer the perfect opportunity to promote Quick Reads and a renewed interest in reading to the UK workforce."

The poll is avaiable on the TUC's working life website at www.worksmart.org.uk. For more information on Quick Reads, visit www.niace.org.uk/quickreads