The pledge means that Rossendale will contribute to the Government's aim of making the nation a world leader in skills by 2012.
Finance and resources portfolio holder at the council Brian Essex said: "In Pennine Lancashire we have traditionally had lower-paid, lower-skill jobs and so improving skills locally is even more important if we are not to fall further behind the rest of the country. We need adequately skilled people to attract jobs to the area.
"Rossendale Council recognises that as one of the larger employers in the borough it has an important role to play in helping its own staff develop their skills and in setting a positive example to other employers in the area."
Pictured: (left to right) Ian Haworth, Lancashire director of the Learning and Skills Council; Daien Reid, Skills Pledge adviser for North West employers; and Brian Essex, member for finance and resources for Rossendale Council.
Equivalent of five GCSEs for all staff is Rossendales aim
Rossendale Council has pledged to help all employees improve their literacy and numeracy to achieve a qualification equivalent to five good GCSEs.
