Who is the UK Worker of the Year?

Holding strong work ethics and doing a good job mean different things to different people, but for the first time these values will be recognised in a nationwide initiative as leading workwear manufacturers Dickies, unveil the inaugural "UK Worker of the Year" competition.

The Worker of the Year scheme has run in the USA and Canada for many years with great success. Dickies decided the time was now right to launch a UK version.

Maurice Morton, sales and marketing director at Dickies explains: "We are delighted to be bringing this competition to the UK and are inviting nominations from working people in all sectors of industry to apply for the chance to be UK Worker of the Year.

"We are expecting a high standard of entries in the UK as we know that the British workforce is regarded as having a great work ethos and one of the highest work standards in the world".

Dickies are offering a prize package worth in excess of 40,000 to support the UK Worker of the Year programme. The competition, which involves workers in the UK entering the contest by providing a written definition of "what doing a good job means to you", is free to enter and nominations will be accepted between now and the end of August this year.

A panel of judges will decide which are the most deserving entries and seven lucky finalists will be invited to attend "The Dickies" awards at the end of October. This will be an exclusive gala night held at the famous Pinewood Film Studios and, at the climax of the evening, the first recipient of the UK Worker of the Year title will be announced.

The winner of UK Worker of the Year will receive a free Renault and can choose between a Megane Hatchback, Grand Scenic MPV or Trafic SL27 Van, - whichever model suits best the winner's needs. Each finalist will receive a holiday to the value of £2,000.

The competition is open to all UK workers - from Accountants to Zookeepers. Entry can be made by visiting www.ukworkeroftheyear.com where contestants can find more details about the UK Worker of the Year Scheme and can read the full terms and conditions of the competition.