Projects
aimed at improving working conditions in charities, hospitals, offices and
factories are to share £2.5m from the DTI Partnership Fund.
In
all, 70 programmes, covering almost a quarter of a million workers across the
UK, will benefit from the fund.
Under
the scheme, selected programmes can receive up to £50,000 from the Government
to help drive improved employment relations.
So
far, more than £9m has been given out to 250 projects since the Partnership
Fund was launched in 1999.
Employment
relations minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Good employers know that only by
valuing people can you boost productivity and encourage innovation."
"Working
together makes good business sense and is essential for companies and
industries committed to success," he added.