Nominations for the 2010 Worker of the Year Award are to close on Tuesday at noon, the Ministry for Social Policy announced.

This prestigious award is open to workers in all sectors of the economy who carry out their duties honestly and efficiently; show initiative, ingenuity and creativity at the workplace; contribute to increasing efficiency and productivity or, through a sense of dedication, helped colleagues improve their quality of work; and distinguish themselves through their service and example, and go beyond what is expected of them in their work in terms of their normal duties.

It is not just work colleagues and senior executives who can present nominations for the award, but also individuals, the constituted bodies, trade unions and voluntary bodies, including NGOs.

Speaking on her experience as the winner of the 2009 edition, Josephine Mifsud, team leader at the Psychiatric Clinic at the Qormi Health Centre, said: "This award was totally unexpected. I hope my dedication to the patients and clients who visit the health centre will act as an example to others not just in my field but in all those areas where the customer element is so important."

Nomination forms may be obtained from the Ministry for Social Policy during office hours (telephone: 2590 3122 or 2590 3416), from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations in Victoria, Gozo (telephone 2155 6823 or 2156 3553) or from local council offices. The form can also be downloaded from the government portal www.msp.gov.mt.

Should more than one person be nominated, a separate form must be filled in for each person nominated. Completed forms must be placed in a sealed envelope and can be deposited in the appropriate box at the Ministry for Social Policy, Palazzo Ferreria, Republic Street, Valletta. A receipt will be issued for each nomination.