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Worker protections in the UK compared to the rest of the OECD

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Nothing beats being a union member, but if you are looking for particular guidance on a workplace issue have a look at our workplace guidance.

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Are you a union rep looking for help and advice to support your colleagues at work? Take a look at our wide range of resources.

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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

Union learning reps stage 1

Find out what it means to be a union learning rep, how to work effectively as part of a union and how to make learning initiatives happen in the workplace. You will also look at ways to find out about the needs of members in relation to learning and negotiate an effective learning agreement with your employer.

The course helps union learning reps to understand their role and responsibilities. They include working together with members and other union reps; talking to members and providing information on learning; meeting management to discuss the learning agenda and keeping members informed about learning opportunities.

Who is this course for?

This is the core course for union learning reps.

How long is the course?

This course takes a minimum of 15 hours.

What will the course help me to do?

The course will help you:

understand the role of the union learning rep in the workplace and the wider union
understand and negotiate an effective learning agreement
develop methods for conduct a learning needs analysis
support members who are undertaking learning
find out about sources of information on learning
build confidence in your role and responsibilities as a union learning rep
develop the skills you need to be an effective union learning rep.

What are the entry requirements?

Please ensure that you have time off to undertake this course and that you have checked with the appropriate union branch official or officer that you intend to take the course.

Please be aware that if you elect to take this course via a college provider, funding restrictions in some areas may mean that the college cannot accept your application: if this is the case you will be notified which college to reapply to.

How much is the course?

There are no course fees for union reps from TUC affiliated unions.

See our course listings page for availability.

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