As part of next year's National Year of Reading, Bradford council wants businesses to promote literacy and focus on the development of basic skills.

One suggestion is for firms to provide time and opportunities for employees to be involved in reading, either with their own children or in local schools.

Bradford Education and Keighley's SRB project are seeking active partnerships with businesses to raise standards in local schools. Some companies have already benefited from these partnerships.

Bradford Education already operates the Better Reading Partnership, which involves volunteers and parents listening to children read in local schools. Results are impressive, with reading ages improving dramatically.

Companies wanting to take part will benefit from having a workforce which is motivated and enthusiastic, developing interpersonal skills and which is contributing to the community.

Involvement will contribute to the literacy development of the future workforce and the continuing economic regeneration of the town.

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