Sainsburys is to offer nationally recognised qualifications to its entire workforce of 150,000.

The scheme, the first to be offered by a retail company, will allow staff to study web-based mathematics and English courses up to NVQ level 2 (the equivalent of five GCSEs).

The course will be assessed based on employees' skills and capabilities, as well as on-the-job training - so training in stock control, merchandising and health and safety can count towards the formal qualification.

Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King [pictured with skills secretary John Denham and Sainsbury's HRD Imelda Walsh], said: "This launch demonstrates learning never stops at Sainsbury's and every one of our [employees] can improve their skills, which not only benefits our customers, but also supports our colleagues to achieve their full potential."

The retailer hopes at least 25% of its workforce will have attained the qualification in the next five years.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, skills secretary John Denham added: "I hope other companies will follow [Sainsbury's] example and make learning new skills and, where possible, gaining relevant qualifications, an integral part of work.