| Local Makerfield MP Ian McCartney will today (Wednesday 20th August) visit Sainsbury's Distribution Centre in Haydock to see how staff are improving their skills thanks to trade unions. Unite the union, USDAW (the shopworkers' union) and Sainsbury's have set up a learning centre, with the support of unionlearn*, the TUC's learning and skills organisation. This learning centre enables staff, from drivers to management, to improve their skills and career opportunities. The MP will meet union learning reps (ULRs) and management, as well as hearing from staff about their learning experiences. Local education provider Wigan and Leigh College deliver the courses and Sainsbury's have supported staff by granting paid or matching time off to attend a variety of courses. 
Sainsbury’s Haydock Distribution Centre Manager Gary Webb, Training Manager Christine Huggins, Ian McCartney MP, USDAW Project Worker Julia Baldwin and unionlearn Regional Manager, Dave Eva.
Ian McCartney, MP for Makerfield said: 'Everyone involved in this project should be proud of what they have achieved here. It's a great example of how to improve skills in the area and clearly a culture of learning has been developed in the workplace. Thanks to the dedication of Unite and USDAW union learning reps and management support, staff here are embracing learning in a big way.' ULR* Mike Southern said: 'Unite and USDAW are delighted to work with Sainsbury's to improve learning and skills for staff here. Union support and funding has enabled us to start things off and do what we would not otherwise have been able to do.' Sainsbury's Distribution Centre Manager Gary Webb said: 'Colleague engagement and developing the talent of our people is paramount to the success of our business. Investing in our colleagues is an important part of 'Great Place To Work', one of our company values.' Dave Eva, unionlearn Regional Manager , said: 'I'm delighted to show Ian McCartney the great work being done here at Sainsbury's by Unite and USDAW union learning reps. With the support of Sainsbury's, and a respected and dependable provider, staff here are improving their skills, their life chances and their prospects. Working in partnership has brought many clear benefits to the company and its staff.' | 
