| Wavertree MP Jane Kennedy visited Tesco (Friday 19th June) in Old Swan to see for herself the impact trade unions are having on helping staff to improve their skills. The Union of Shopworkers, Distribution and Allied Workers (USDAW) with the support of unionlearn*, the TUC's learning and skills organisation, and Tesco have established a learning initiative that enables staff based at the store to develop their own potential and career opportunities. The local MP will meet union learning reps (ULRs) and management as well as hearing from staff about their learning experiences and presenting learners with certificates. The visit follows a number of milestone successes at Tesco Old Swan where, thanks to the project, over 50 employees have been able to access learning opportunities to develop their skills and career prospects. Jane Kennedy, MP for Wavertree said: 'This is a great example of how working in partnership can benefit all. Particular praise should be given to USDAW, Tesco and Liverpool Community College for their success in developing a learning culture at Tesco, Old Swan. Thanks to the dedication of the union learning reps, management and unionlearn support, staff here are getting the chance to access learning and develop their own skills to the benefit of themselves and their employer.' USDAW ULR Jo Cahill said: 'USDAW sees this visit as further recognition of the hard work staff and learners have put in to make this initiative so successful. Unionlearn support and funding has given us the opportunity to build on the success we have had and special mention needs to go to the tutors from Liverpool Community College and Liverpool Adult Learning Services who have helped make learning fun and accessible.' Dave Eva, unionlearn Regional Manager , said: 'I am delighted Jane Kennedy has taken the opportunity to visit Tesco in Old Swan. It is further evidence of the positive impact ULRs and trade unions such as USDAW are having in the workplace. USDAW has already been hugely successful with its 'Check-out Learning' initiative supporting retail staff across the region. In addition to employees here improving their skills, their life chances and their prospects, working in partnership has brought many clear benefits to the company and the community.' | 
