Learning at Work Week reminds us why investing in people pays off

Union Learning Representatives, based in workplaces play a vital role in encouraging workers into education, and liaising with employers to make development opportunities possible. Their work benefits workers, workplaces and the wider economy.

However, the decision of the last Tory government to scrap the national Union Learning Fund limited these opportunities and created new challenges for employers. Research shows that for every £1 invested in workplace learning, employers could see returns of up to £11. Not only this, but meaningful workplace learning also supports staff retention, boosts employee confidence, improves career satisfaction, and – in a country increasingly facing a mental health crisis – enhances mental wellbeing.

Despite the lack of central government funding, however, union learning continues to remain a vital gateway for working people to access learning and upskilling opportunities.

Each year, Union Learning Representatives play a crucial role in Learning at Work Week. This year, GMB and Unite the Union Learning Representatives at Kirklees Council, worked in partnership with their employer, to host a drop-in event at Huddersfield Town Hall. Here, council staff were supported in accessing Functional Skills courses through Kirklees College, delivered as part of the Kirklees Learning Agreement Group.

Unions at the council – like Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside in the North East – have a strong track record of promoting and signposting to learning opportunities. Their efforts have helped staff in a variety of roles gain confidence, progress to further learning, and even secure promotions.

These achievements reflect years of dedicated work resulting in the building of a robust learning offer, through partnership between unions, employers and Combined Authorities.

Our TUC region is entering phase two of a skills initiative with West Yorkshire first launched in 2022. Running until September 2026, it aims to support 400 local residents in accessing learning opportunities, while also expanding the region’s vibrant Union Learning Representatives network. As part of this effort, the network will be linked with its counterpart in the North East, which was made possible thanks to three years of funding by the North East Combined Authority.

Union learning co-ordination through the TUC has already achieved a great deal. It has created a neurodiversity network with over 200 members across the North East, Yorkshire & Humber which brings together those on the neurodiverse spectrum with those interested in engaging with their experience; it delivered a series of online workshops through Trade Union Education; and it has developed a set of ‘mini’ ULR online refresher sessions which will commence later this month.

Learning at Work Week provides a chance to reflect on these achievements, is a timely reminder of the value of union learning, and the tireless work of Union Learning Reps that keeps it going. Because, when we invest in learning, we invest in people — and when we invest in people, everybody wins.

First published in the Journal (Newcastle-upon-Tyne), 19 May 2025