British Sign Language course launched for hospitality staff

Hotels and restaurant staff are being encouraged to learn some simple sign language phrases to help improve the experience of deaf guests.

British Sign Language – Phrases for Hospitality is a free online training course which has been launched to mark the inclusion theme of this week's Deaf Awareness Week.

Launched by CPL Learning, the course will focus on basic phrases that will enable team members to connect with deaf customers more effectively.

Jamie Campbell, director of learning at CPL Learning, said the course has been designed to equip hospitality staff with the knowledge and confidence to engage with deaf guests in just 10 minutes.

He added: "Sign language is a beautiful and fun language to learn and initiate, and it contributes to a more inclusive society."

The launch of the course comes a week after parliament voted to recognise British Sign Language as a language in British law.

Further information about British Sign Language – Phrases for Hospitality can be found here.