On 7 July a National Educational programme for the retail sector was officially launched through a press conference addressed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Professor Josef Bonnici and the GRTU president, Paul Abela.

The programme entails detailed training meant to enable cash handlers in the retail sector interpret the various security banknote features at a glance.

Widespread training has already taken place in several retail outlets in both Malta and Gozo with over 100 training sessions provided by staff from the Central Bank of Malta's Currency Operations Unit.

More than 800 employees, who handle cash as part of their daily duties, have attended these training sessions.

On 11 September employees from various retail sector companies were presented with Certificates of Attendance by Alexander Demarco, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Malta and Mr Abela, president of the GRTU. Certificates were also presented to the companies who joined this educational programme.

The Central Bank of Malta and the GRTU endeavour to enhance and sustain their cash and other payment instruments related training and educational programmes, to reach other employees in the retail sector.