GLASSES chain Specsavers has enrolled staff in sign language lessons to boost services to customers with hearing impairments.

Workers from ten branches are to complete recognised qualifications in a move supported by Glasgow Clyde College and funded through the Scottish apprenticeship levy.

According to Action on Hearing Loss, as many as 945,000 people in Scotland are deaf or have hearing loss and last year the Scottish Government launched a plan aimed at encouraging more people to learn and use the gesture-based communication form.

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British Sign Language specialist Kyle Bettley, senior lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “I’ve been blown away with the enthusiasm of the Specsavers staff and how quickly they’re developing their signing skills.

“The course is a great opportunity to increase deaf awareness in partnership with a company that is proactively seeking to enable people living with hearing difficulties, and help them to have a positive experience in its stores.

“Working with the team has been an absolute pleasure.”

Arlene Stephenson, store director at Specsavers in Glasgow Fort, said: “We are delighted so many staff members have decided to take part.”