Midlands unions and local business group urge government to keep Union Learning Fund
- Business and unions hail “enormous contribution” made by union learning in improving access to skills in the midlands
TUC Midlands and Make UK have today joined forces to call on the government to reverse its decision to scrap the Union Learning Fund.
The call comes as the government is set to announce its comprehensive spending review on Wednesday 25 March.
Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson recently proposed to axe the £12 million annual union learning fund from spring 2021.
“Enormous contribution”
TUC Midlands Regional Secretary, Lee Barron said union learning had made an “enormous contribution” to improving access to skills in the local area.
Union learning projects in the Midlands include projects to increase Maths and English skills, deliver apprenticeships, support mid-life career reviews and deliver digital skills training.
A local and national success story
Union learning is a rare success story in adult learning. It’s open to both union members and non-members.
Union learning reps get people on to courses who would not previously have considered learning, help them stick to the course and progress, and broker time-off with employers to train.
This practical support is a “crucial help” that makes paper entitlements to free learning a reality for working adults who need to improve their skills.
The independent review of the Union Learning Fund showed unions excel at supporting less confident learners, and at persuading those with few or no qualifications to take up the training opportunities open to them.
Seven in ten learners said they would not have taken part in learning or training without union support. This rises to around 8 in 10 of those with no prior qualifications.
Union learning helps get reluctant adult learners the basic skills they need to progress – and in many cases helps working people get their first ever qualifications.
TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Lee Barron said:
“From basic skills to helping people learn English to retraining for the jobs of the future – union learning transforms lives.
“And it has made an enormous contribution to the Midlands, offering invaluable support for typically hard-to-reach learners.
“Union learning is a local and national success story. Over the past 20 years, it has a fantastic track record of getting people back into learning and has helped millions gain qualifications – including here in the Midlands.
“That’s why unions and business in our region are urging government to rethink this decision and save union learning.”
Charlotte Horobin, Make UK Midlands & East of England Region Director, said:
“These are incredibly challenging times for manufacturers and their employees here in the Midlands. If we are going to build back better then the protection of key, high value skills within the sector is an absolute must.
“The Union Learning Fund is a key element of not just retaining people but also re-training them if necessary, especially in an era where digital skills are going to be ever more important.”
Simon Goulbourn, Boots Logistics Operations Manager at Beeston, said:
“Our Boots Learning Centre is an absolutely fantastic and invaluable asset. It provides our Boots colleagues with the opportunity to improve their life skills such as Maths, English, IT and as a result improve their career and personal prospects.
“Boots has a long heritage of improving the lives of colleagues and our leaning centre carries on that tradition. When the Coronavirus pandemic hit we had to relocate and at no point was there a view that we should shut it down, we had to find new and safe ways to continue the fantastic work.
“Our commitment to the Learning Centre remains steadfast because we at Boots understand the value of the opportunity that it provides for our colleagues.”
Neil Chapman, USDAW ULF project worker, Boots Beeston, said:
“The Usdaw / Boots Learning Centre was set up in 2005 with the help of ULF support and on site agreements between Boots and Usdaw.
“Usdaw Union Learning Reps have worked tirelessly over those 15 years, supporting learners through their learning journeys, helping to keep people on courses and acting as a first point of contact. As a result, learners have gained qualifications that have led to progression within the company and many agency workers who taken courses have gone onto gain fulltime employment as result.
“Fundamentally, our network of Union Learning Reps are at the heart of what we do and reach out to colleagues that traditional methods don’t always do. The work of our learning reps, combined with our negotiated agreements is a true recipe for success.”
- About the union learning fund and Unionlearn: the Union Learning Fund helps union members and non-members alike. It is funded by the Department for Education and can only be spent on learning and associated activities, not on other trade union activity. The TUC has produced this short briefing note with all the key information on the Union Learning Fund:
- New official data on employee access to training: The latest official data on employee access to training was published by the Department for Education recently (Employer Skills Survey 2019, Thursday 15 October). It shows that the proportion of employers not providing any training at all increased from 34% in 2017 to 39% in 2019; and the proportion of employees not getting any training increased from 38% in 2017 to 40% in 2019.
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the Midlands exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 1 million working people who make up our 49 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
Case studies
Below are some examples of ULF work in the midlands, These have been broken down by the following geographic areas Please click on the title of the case study to read the full details.
- Coventry and Warwickshire
- Derbyshire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Northamptonshire
- Shropshire
- Stoke and Staffordshire
- Birmingham and black country
- Worcestershire
Coventry and Warwickshire
Union ensures learners won’t slip up at Fyffes
The Learning Services team from the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) were recently called in by one of their Regional Officers to see if they could help support workers at Fyffes in Coventry – this was an opportunity that Project Worker Karen Plasom knew would result in a fruitful partnership.
Learning Rep Andy becomes Dementia Champion
Over the last few years the awareness and incidence of dementia has become much more widespread. Many initiatives have been developed to help people understand the condition and support both those who have the condition and those who care for them, and unions have been quick to help.
POA Learning benefits from partnership working in Rugby
For union learning projects to support as many people as possible it is important to build partnerships, and the POA Learning team at Newbold Revel have done just that, forming strong links with the Benn Partnership Centre in Rugby.
The Benn Partnership Centre is a multi-cultural community centre, working to support vulnerable people to overcome barriers and to re-engage with the mainstream. The centre gives support and guidance to help combat personal barriers such as debt or personal crises, support with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), provide functional and digital skills and targeted career based support.
Derbyshire
Driving development in public services
Unions, employers and third-sector organisations are working together in the East Midlands to expand and improve workplace learning across the public services.
Jayne is awarded for supporting apprentices
Jayne Barry is Project Manager at Derbyshire County Council and a UNISON Learning Co-Ordinator and Union Learning Rep. Jayne has set up a number of initiatives at Derbyshire County Council to support apprentices at the workplace. These include recruiting an apprentice Union Learning Rep, developing an Apprenticeship Charter with the employer and setting up an apprentice forum along with producing engaging resources to help apprentices understand their rights.
Usdaw Embed learning in DHL Long Eaton
Usdaw reps in the DHL Long Eaton site have made real strides to embed learning into the site’s activities over the past year. Now they have a fully functioning infrastructure to support learning and have demonstrated just what learning can add to the site.
Unions work together to raise Mental Health Awareness
A union learning project run by URTU (United Road Transport Union) hosted a joint training event with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in Derby to promote good mental health at work.
Leicestershire
Madhu is learning for her family and a better life.
Madhu Bhardwaj works at Evington Road Tesco in Leicester. Originally a fully trained nurse in India, Madhu moved to England, and with the support of her union, began to gain qualifications that would be recognised in her new home.
The FBU learners scoring with the Foxes
A Leicester couple used the skills and the confidence gained by learning through the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to help set up and coach an inclusive football team for boys and girls with special educational needs. Firefighter Dave Naudesevics and his wife Leanne have both progressed thanks to the FBU’s Union Learning Fund (ULF) project.
Dave has recently completed his Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in personal training, while Leanne is currently studying for a BSc Hons in Health and Social Care at The Open University (OU), having taken both autism awareness and mental health awareness courses through the FBU.
Bakers union helps learning bloom at Tulip
Over the last couple of years the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) have promoted learning at work in Tulip Foods in Coalville, Leicester, but courses have started and then dropped away for one reason or another.
Shelley looks at clustering learning in Leicester
A chance discussion with a member threatening to leave the union gave Usdaw Mobile Union Learning Rep (MULR) and stand down Rep Shelley Middleton an idea to launch a new campaign in Tesco Express and Metro stores.
Each year the unionlearn Annual Conference recognises the hard work of Union Learning Reps (ULR). PCS Branch Co-ordinator and ULR Ashraf Haji, a Child Maintenance Group Caseworker with the Department of Work and Pensions in Leicester was presented with the award for Supporting Older Workers.
His nomination highlighted the fact that in his workplace the demographic is significantly over 50 with many employees looking towards retirement, however Ashraf has been instrumental in instilling a positivity towards seeing learning as not only vocational, but also aspirational, and that retirement is an opportunity to take on new challenges and learn new skills.
Lincolnshire
TUC ULR of the Year Fliss helps learners achieve their best
Usdaw ULR Fliss Pryce-Page won a TUC learning award in recognition of the support she is giving to Tesco workers from Skegness to Leicester.
Driving development in public services
Unions, employers and third-sector organisations are working together in the East Midlands to expand and improve workplace learning across the public services.
Nottinghamshire
Paul Glover named Midlands TUC ULR of the year
Paul Glover works at the Eastcroft Depot in Nottingham as a Refuse Driver covering the local area and became a Union Learning Rep (ULR) for GMB. Paul struggled with Dyslexia at school, he received little support which resulting him not sitting any exams. However, Paul successfully completed his trade union course at Nottingham College with the support of the union and a Learning Support Assistant.
Usdaw ULRs build learning links between local store and community
Usdaw ULRs have been using the skills and knowledge they have developed to support learners at work to help the local community in Beeston, Nottingham, and the Middle Street Learning Centre.
FBU member Laura Wilton is helping women prepare for the physical demands of the Fire Service.
Nottinghamshire firefighter Laura Wilton has used the knowledge and skills she gained on a Level 3 Personal Training apprenticeship through the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to help local women prepare for the strength and fitness demands of applying for a job in the fire service.
Candi benefits from union learning at Boots
Candi Lee was an agency worker when she started working for Boots in Nottingham, but she joined Usdaw and made use of the union learning centre and opportunities the union had negotiated for all staff. She is now employed by the company and hasn’t looked back since.
Boots staff sign up for mental health courses
More than two dozen staff at Boots Logistics in Nottingham signed up for mental health awareness and dementia care courses when the ULR team ran a learning event to mark World Mental Health Day.
Usdaw ULRs build partnerships to support workplace Mental Health
Usdaw Union Learning Reps (ULRs) at Boots Logistics in Nottingham run an extremely successful learning centre offering a range of different courses, drop in sessions and on-line learning.
Getting young people into English and Maths with Usdaw
Usdaw Union Learning Reps at Boots at Nottingham and Burton on Trent are persuading young workers to engage in English and maths learning.
POA Learning offer support to Dyslexic staff
Dyslexia affects 10% of the UK population, with 4% being classed as severely dyslexic. However many people may not actually realise that they are dyslexic, and this can cause issues in areas of their lives including low self-esteem at work, and frustration and anxiety when doing certain tasks.
Notts staff kick start Reading Ahead challenge thanks to UNISON
More than two dozen support staff and teachers at Farnborough Academy have collected certificates for completing the Reading Ahead challenge at the Nottingham academy.
This UNISON initiative involved participants committing to read and review six books, poems, magazines or website articles of their choice over the course of the challenge.
Sarjo thanks POA Learning for helping develop his career
It was back in late 2013 that Sarjo Kuyateh, an Operational Support Grade (OSG) Officer made a visit to the POA Learning Centre in Nottingham to discuss his future career development. His dream was to achieve a Degree Qualification and POA Learning are helping him towards his goal.
Northamptonshire
Learning Rep Andy becomes Dementia Champion
Over the last few years the awareness and incidence of dementia has become much more widespread. Many initiatives have been developed to help people understand the condition and support both those who have the condition and those who care for them, and unions have been quick to help.
Hayden collects fathers apprenticeship certificate as URTU supports scheme at Weetabix
Over the last 18 months the United Road Transport Union (URTU) has worked with learning provider Free2Learn to deliver Apprenticeships into XPO Logistics at their Weetabix site in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire.
Shropshire
Mid-life career change delivers results for Sally
Becoming a Union Learning Rep started a mid-life learning journey for Sally Joyner.
Sally, a Royal Mail worker for 30 years started her learning journey many years ago however it was to be many learning experiences later that led to her career change in 2013.
She was frustrated that despite enjoying her job at Royal Mail she wasn’t being successful in her application for other roles.
Stoke and Staffs
Signing up for learning with the CWU’s Amy
Amy Jackson, CWU Lead ULR at North Staffordshire Postal Branch organised courses in British Sign Language (BSL) and saw how they built relationships and improve inclusion.
Tony ensures learning comes First at Stoke bus depot
Tony Dytiche is a bus driver and Trade Union Learning Rep with Unite the Union at First Bus Potteries at Hanley in Stoke on Trent. During Learning at Work Week Tony took the opportunity to promote workplace learning to colleagues at the public transport provider.
A decade of learning at Manor Bakeries
The BFAWU has been supporting learning at Manor Bakeries in Stoke for over 10 years, with many workers having passed levels in English and Maths.
USDAW helps DHL staff plan for retirement
More than 180 workers at the DHL/ Sainsbury’s Stoke distribution centre found out more about how they were prepared for retirement during a very successful week-long pension awareness campaign delivered by Usdaw’s union learning rep team on site
Unionlearn deliver apprenticeships event for Stoke Charity
Unionlearn delivered a Festival of Learning with ASHA, a refugee and asylum seeker charity in Stoke-on-Trent, in conjunction with Unite. This event focused on apprenticeships, what they offer and ways that unions can support schemes.
John wins award for supporting literacy learners in Stoke
John Goodwin is an Usdaw Union Learning Rep (ULR) from Stoke and was presented the unionlearn ULR of the Year Award for Supporting Learners with Literacy Needs at the unionlearn Annual Conference at TUC Congress House in London.
Usdaw and Sainsbury’s help staff to boost careers through learning
Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning Campaign supports people who want to learn for many different reasons: for fun, for personal development, for work and for career change and development. So, when Sainsbury’s introduced a new system of appraisal, called “Be Your Best,” Union Learning Reps (ULRs) at the Leek and Biddulph stores in Staffordshire saw the opportunities it offered for staff.
Unionlearn has a brimful of skills for Asha
Unionlearn delivered a of Learning event with Asha, a refugee and asylum seeker charity in Stoke-on-Trent, in conjunction with Unite the union.
The event was attended by twenty-nine Asha service users, all from BME groups. It was also supported by Asha’s volunteers and staff.
Birmingham and the black country
Redundancy Support goes online due Covid restrictions
Redundancy support is a difficult situation in the best of times, but during the present Covid pandemic it is even more challenging for unions supporting workers – so when Greggs contacted the Learning Services Team from the BFAWU, Project Workers had to think outside the box.
PFA Education supports ‘Women Super League’ Members
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) & unionlearn ‘Achievement Through Sport’ programme has been leading on the PFA’s core work of ensuring all players on full/part-time contracts to clubs within the Women Super League (WSL) 1 are signed up as PFA members and can access the learning opportunities and support available to them, along with other benefits.
FBU’s Jane graduates thanks to the union
Fire Brigade Unions (FBU) Member Jane Gummery has put her passion for learning into practise and has just gained her Degree with the Open University. Jane is one of the FBUs more experienced Union Learning Reps (ULR) and has been supporting members for the last 10 years and she is now the Regional Education and Learning Organiser in the unions Region 7 (West Midlands area) as well as the Control Rep.
UNISON members take a dramatic look at workplace disability issues
UNISON members, in conjunction with Hubbub and Face Up Theatre, took part in a production to celebrate the International Day of Persons with a Disability during Disability History month.
More than three dozen members from unions Birmingham branch took part in the unique workshop that examined the barriers disabled people face in work and social settings.
NEU runs session for support staff in the Midlands
Midlands support staff members of the National Education Union (NEU) were treated to a full day of learning in Solihull.
The packed agenda for the Midlands support staff workshop kicked off with a session on theory and practical ways of using interventions in maths and English of Understanding and supporting Learning.
Donald wins award for supporting older workers across Birmingham
Donald McCombie is a Union Learning Rep and Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator with Birmingham City UNISON Branch and has been presented with the unionlearn ULR of the Year Award for Supporting Older Learners at the unionlearn Annual Conference at TUC Congress House in London.
Jon Crawford: Swapping the pitch for pens…
Not many teenagers leave school and a year later decide to return to carry on studying. But then Jon Crawford was never likely to be an ordinary teenager.
At 16, having left Wolverhampton Grammar School after GCSE’s, Jon failed to secure a professional contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club he joined as a nine-year-old, but the PFA’s support helped him on a learning journey.
Union ensures learners won’t slip up at Fyffes
The Learning Services team from the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) were recently called in by one of their Regional Officers to see if they could help support workers at Fyffes in Coventry – this was an opportunity that Project Worker Karen Plasom knew would result in a fruitful partnership.
Learning Rep Andy becomes Dementia Champion
Over the last few years the awareness and incidence of dementia has become much more widespread. Many initiatives have been developed to help people understand the condition and support both those who have the condition and those who care for them, and unions have been quick to help.
Worcestershire
Community hold mental health briefing for Harriers staff
Last December, Community’s Trainee Learning Organisers, Alex Teague and Dan Warren, worked alongside Kidderminster Harriers Football Club to organise a one-day mental health briefing.
POA Learning help Amanda achieve her potential
Amanda joined the Prison Service in 2008 working as an OSG (Operational Support) working at HMP Hewell.
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