Courtaulds UK Ltd, Derbyshire, manufacture hosiery, producing many well-known brands. The company has been through a period of expansion, which involved the recruitment of significant numbers of eastern European workers, many of whom have needed support with English language and work based communications. The Company employs 420 workers, and recognises Community.
Working together to promote health and safety on-site, and support integration of the new workers, Community put forward an action plan of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) training to the company. Courtaulds, working with Community, provides for paid relief for new starters to attend on-site courses. Courses are provided by Broxtowe College and supported by LSC local funding.
Benefiting from ESOL provision, the new staff have been able to communicate effectively with their co-workers, and feel more like part of a team with a knock-on benefit for morale. Provision of ESOL has meant that they have been able to participate fully in the factory community and the social environment. People are able to act on allotted tasks and contribute at all levels of factory life.
Mel Freeman, Human Resources Manager says “We are happy to run this course again if need be, the feedback from the group has been very positive. It has helped build the team spirit we have. It has made it easier to train staff and improve quality. As part of the company induction process, we promote this course as part of an individual’s development”.