Poor writing skills can undermine professionals in the workplace according to Bermuda Employers Council (BEC) instructor Liz Jones.

"When you write for your firm you don't want to let down your company and poor writing comes across as unprofessional," Ms Jones said.

"Effective writing skills are essential if you are to succeed in business. Whenever you send a letter, a report, an advertisement or brochure, you are representing your company to the receiver of your communication.

"All too frequently employees experience difficulty in writing because they do not know or have forgotten the basic rules of English grammar and mechanics."

Ms Jones has taught English for over 25 years at the Berkeley Institute, Bermuda College and Bermuda Insurance Institute.

After compiling Bermuda Recollections for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, in 1995 she left the Bermuda College to purse her writing ambitions.

Since then she has co-authored the Insiders' Guide to Bermuda and the Moods of Bermuda. In addition, she has written numerous articles and columns for local magazines and newspapers and is copy manager for Bermudian Business.

Teaching continues to be an important component in her career. She has designed and facilitated Business English workshops for local companies including the Bank of Butterfield, Appleby Spurling and Hunter and the Coldwell Banker, J.W. Bermuda Realty.

"Many people leave school or university with no detailed grammatical knowledge and can become paranoid about their writing in the workplace."

As a BEC instructor Ms Jones offers three business writing courses for beginners: Business English For Beginners (grammar and mechanics); Intermediate English, designed for business communicators who have a grasp of English grammar and mechanics but who nevertheless find it difficult to write clearly and concisely; and Advanced English for business communicators who have a good grasp of the English language but who need tips on how to plan and write clear, concise reports.

"People may fear a manager's red pen in making grammatical errors and don't focus on the content of the writing and many managers are concerned about the communication skills with employees using confused or convoluted words."

Ms Jones said some of the basic errors employees made included faulty verb structure, poor use of verb subject or semi-colons and may use unnecessary phrases or technology.

She also said the impact of email and text messages has an impact standards on business writing and changed the rules of etiquette.