Initiative is a hit

Reality, one of the county's biggest employers, joined forces with Worcestershire County Council's children's information service to hold two successful drop-in days for employees.

Now the council is hoping to attract more local companies, eager to bring advice for staff into the workplace.

The drop-in days were arranged by the council's employer liaison service and employees of Reality were given the opportunity to take guidance on issues such as playgroups, nurseries, childminders and out-of-school clubs.

Employees were also given the chance to find out about holiday play schemes, help for single parents and advice on general childcare needs.

"We're delighted to get this project up and running, and equally delighted with the response at Reality," said Karyn Madison, employer liaison officer for Worcestershire County Council. "It can be so difficult for full-time employees to find the information they need outside working hours and by bringing this scheme into the workplace, employers will be providing a very useful perk to their staff."

Martyn Lennard, site location manager for Reality agreed.

"This is the first time that we have organised this type of visit and we will learn from it and improve on it, hopefully involving more clients each time," he said.

"I would certainly like to repeat this later in the year as I can see this as another strand in the process of providing all Reality colleagues with an increased awareness of what is available to any of us."

The county council intends to expand the programme across Worcestershire and is keen to hear from any companies interested in providing extra services to staff.

"I will be out and about contacting the companies," said Ms Madison.

"I would also urge any interested firms to get in touch directly and find out what the employer liaison service and children's information service can offer."

Karyn Madison can be contacted on 01527 834760.