comments. The Tesco work experience scheme now provides four weeks’ pay at the appropriate rate and a guaranteed permanent position if the individual successfully completes their placement. The Tesco paid work experience scheme applies to individuals referred to Tesco from Jobcentre Plus who choose to come off benefits for their four-week placement. The Jobcentre Plus Work Trial Scheme also exists for those who choose to remain on benefit rather than being paid for their four-week placement. Finally, Tesco also has a store-opening scheme dedicated to help in wider regeneration of run-down areas which Usdaw actively supports, welcoming that the vast majority of the jobs go to the longterm unemployed, including many young long-term unemployed. Usdaw, along with many other local community groups, positively support the planning process. Tesco deal with the initial pre-opening training using local training providers in areas like
Image: Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk
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basic numeracy and literacy. Once the store is open, this has led to a culture of training being developed that ensures that Usdaw’s learning reps have a high demand for access to Level 2 courses. This can help in career development of younger people.
Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s employs around 150,000 people in the UK. Usdaw’s agreement with Sainsbury’s abolished young workers’ pay rates in 2011, and the adult rate is paid from 16. Sainsbury’s have a 15-month, onthe-job Level 2 Apprenticeship in either the bakery, meat or fish counters. The programmes develop a range of skills as well as health and safety, and training in selling techniques and communication. As with Tesco, the apprentices receive the rates they were being paid before the Apprenticeship began, and on completion of the programme are promoted to the relevant skills payment rate, currently beginning at 75 pence per hour extra.