Clear writing saves businesses billions Monday, January 19, 2009 - 16:30

At least half of adults with poor basic skills are in jobs, costing employers around six billion pounds a year and many employees find it difficult to understand the range of texts they have to read at work.

To help people in the workplace, NIACE is running a Readability workshop today - Monday 19 January 2009 - at their headquarters in Leicester. The workshop is fully booked with delegates ranging from NHS workers, local college and council workers as well as members of the Women's Institute.

Readability is suitable for anyone in the workplace who regularly writes for work at all levels; from writing work instructions and company letters to writing posters and notices.

People attending will:

• gain an understanding of reading difficulties and their impact in the workplace
• explore the principles of writing clearly; and
• practise using a clearer writing style.

The Learning and Development Director of First UK Bus, said,

NIACE put together a bespoke course for our staff to help them simplify their writing and delivered this to key personnel.
This has significantly improved the level of awareness among managers and we are beginning to see a change in communication styles that will ensure written communication is accessible to all our staff.

Sue Southwood, NIACE Development Officer and Course Tutor, said,

At work, it is essential that people write clearly and use language that is straightforward and easy to understand. For many people, reading is not a skill they find easy and they will be put off by writing that is complex or long-winded. This means important messages are often lost.
This course helps people to look at the way they write and to challenge themselves to use a clearer writing style. It provides useful hints and tips so that staff can begin to focus on key messages and how to get them across.

Future workshops happening in London and Birmingham in February and Bristol and Manchester in April.