Remploy
“Learning and productivity now go hand-in-hand.” Alan Reeves Local Remploy Manager
- Business sector:
- Manufacturing
- Employees:
- 5-49
- Region:
- North West
- Company profile:
- Remploy Packaging & Print Ltd, based in Manchester, is one of the UK’s leading packaging companies. It has a policy of employing people with a range of disabilities.
The Challenge
Remploy was a profitable organisation when it decided to look at training issues, but many of its employees had limited skills, which was bound to hinder further success. The company recognised the potential benefit of improving the skills of its workforce, but some managers felt productivity could suffer if learning new skills took priority.
The Solution
Under the Employer Training Pilot – the scheme which has now developed into the new national Train to Gain service – Remploy decided to work with North Trafford College to see how training could help.
The college carried out an analysis of employees’ training needs, focusing on personal development as well as work. Remploy team leaders completed personal development plans with employees. The assessment showed that 20 people had low numeracy or literacy skills, and could benefit from a basic skills training programme.
The college recommended flexible, in-house training at Remploy which would mean trading would not suffer from a lot of absence on courses, allaying managers’ fears. Remploy grasped the opportunity, and set up an on site learning centre. Employees got involved in the training straight away and were soon achieving their targets.
The Results
A real learning culture developed in Remploy as a result of this focus on developing their people. The business benefits have exceeded all Remploy’s expectations:
- Productivity has increased from a gross profit margin of 49% to 58%.
- Absenteeism has dropped.
- A more flexible workforce could take on additional tasks, boosting business success.
- Wastage was drastically reduced through improvements in the accuracy of unit counts.
