Businesses across the West Midlands are being urged to join in Give & Gain Day 2009 – the United Kingdom’s largest employee volunteering event – and give something back to the communities where they live and work.

Organised by Business in the Community and sponsored by Eversheds LLP, Give & Gain Day will take place on June 5. It happens during Volunteers Week (June 1-7), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Give & Gain Day 2009 aims to inspire thousands of employees in 35 towns and cities to volunteer their time and skills during work time on projects which will help unlock talent in people and community groups.

One way businesses in the region are being encouraged to join in Give & Gain Day is by running `Behind the Scenes’ events in their headquarters and offices - to increase people’s understanding of the world of work and improve their knowledge and skills.

Employees will also have an opportunity to participate in community projects including the creation of reading gardens which provide spaces for children to read and learn with the aim of improving their literacy.

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community said: “The current crisis has clearly shown that business needs to continue to invest in a realistic, robust and relevant corporate responsibility approach – and to rebuild trust in the community.

“On Give & Gain Day, businesses have the opportunity to continue to invest in their staff’s skill development while strengthening relationships with their people, partners and suppliers at this turbulent time. Businesses committed to the corporate responsibility agenda will recognise the need to meet the talent challenge in the UK and tackle social issues in areas of greatest need.”

Give & Gain Day 2009, is open to employees of all businesses and organisations across the West Midlands. For more details and to register, visit www.giveandgainday.org.uk or telephone Joan Cockburn on 01902 717 491.