A STAFF training and development standard has been relaunched to make it more accessible to employers.

More than 700 East Lancashire organisations have already achieved or are working towards the Investors in People standard.

Now training bosses hope the new look IIP will encourage more organisations to take it up.

The new version of the standard has been updated in consultation with employers and was unveiled by Baroness Blackstone, minister for education and employment.

"In order to ensure that employers and employees can meet the new challenges that lie ahead it is vitally important that our services are developed and improved which is why the standard has been relaunched," said Mark Price, chief executive of ELTEC.