SHOP workers in Redditch are to benefit from a new scheme aimed at boosting their confidence and skills.

Union Usdaw is launching Check Out Learning, which encourages workers to sign up for courses at NEW College.

The scheme, launched at Tesco in Greenlands, offers workers courses in IT, foreign languages, British sign language, English and maths.

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett, said: "Check Out Learning will offer our members the chance to access courses which will change their lives.

"They will have a chance to boost their basic skills in maths or English as well as other recreational courses that match their hobbies or interests.

Mr Hannett added: "The scheme is good for our members because it boosts their self-confidence often leading to better career opportunities.

"It is also good for their employer because all our evidence shows an educated workforce is better motivated with less staff turnover and less absenteeism."

Tesco representative Hazel Cooper said: "Many of the people here left school at 16 and haven't stepped back into a classroom since then, so we want to make learning fun and also boost self-confidence."

"My colleagues are keen to take a look at the range of courses on offer which I believe will unleash the potential of the workforce in our store.

"This is about making sure every member of the team here gets the chance to improve their skills."