New rights for union Learning Representatives

The new statutory right to recognition and paid time off for Workplace Learning Reps was warmly welcomed by the Shopworkers’ union, Usdaw.

The union already has 150 trained Learning Reps, who have so far recruited 5,000 union members to take part in courses, such as computer skills and foreign languages.

Usdaw's Education Officer James Rees, who is responsible for the union's programme, said: "Learning Reps can form Learning Partnerships with their employers to bring learning into or near to their workplace. If a local College knows there's a group wanting the same course they will often lay one on specially. Then staff can go along as a group, encourage each other, and really enjoy themselves. Tameside College even brought a mobile computer unit to the workplace to let staff train on the spot!

"We have seen how important it is for people to have a colleague they can turn to for information, advice and help with learning new skills. Many people have bad memories of schools and exams, and while they're anxious to learn more, they are also very worried about what's involved.

"But once they start learning, it not only improves people's skills, but their confidence. Many of our members are now going on to do further courses, and in one case is teaching others to use computers. This is something that changes people's lives.

"Usdaw has been a key force in lobbying the Government to introduce the new rights for Learning Reps. All the work done by the union and their members has helped to convince both the DfEE and the DTI that Learning Reps will be key to achieving the Government's objectives of improving British workers' skills."

Notes for Editors:

• Members of Usdaw who are Learning Reps and those who have benefited from courses can be contacted for interviews, quotes and pictures through Usdaw's Press Office on 0161 224 2804.

• The Government's White Paper 'The Knowledge Economy' is to be published on Tuesday, including the new rights for Learning Reps.

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